£75k scheme will shut main route through Sidbury for five weeks

Wales and West Utilities to replace old metal pipes - with bosses saying closure is ‘not ideal, but essential’

The main road through Sidbury is set to close for five weeks so a utilities company can complete its upgrade of 400 metres of gas pipes.

Wales and West Utilities is investing £75,000 to replace old metal pipes in Fore Street with new plastic ones to ensure properties maintain a safe and reliable gas supply. Some 120 metres were laid in Bridge Street in November, but work was delayed due to engineering difficulties.

Work on the remaining section will will be carried out seven-days-a-week from Monday, April 4.

Project manager Kevin Howard said: “We know that working on roads like Fore Street is not ideal, but it is essential to support the area in the future. We’ll have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure that the work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum. We’re very aware of the effect that this work can have on businesses, communities and commuters. We’re working closely with Devon County Council to agree the best way to get this essential work done causing the least inconvenience.”

A Wales and West Utilities spokesman said access for residents will be maintained and an alternative route will be clearly signposted. The company has worked with Stagecoach South West and there will be a temporary shuttle bus during the works. The utilities company’s customer service team can be reached on 0800 912 2999 or enquiries@wwwutilities.co.uk