TWO road closures are planned in the centre of Skipton over the next four weeks as gas maintenance work take place.

The north of England’s gas distributor, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), has announced it is investing £47k to upgrade the ageing gas distribution network in and around the Skipton area.

The major project is part of NGN’s ongoing development of infrastructure in Skipton and is due to start today, January 7, and will last for around four weeks.

A spokesman for the company said the scheme will involve replacing 69 metres of old metallic pipe for new durable plastic pipe, to ensure the safe supply of gas to customers for years to come.

To complete the works safely and efficiently, the following traffic management measures will be in place:

From January 7, a road closure will be introduced from outside Sports Direct to the junction of Coach Street. This will be in place for around two weeks.

A road closure will then be introduced on January 21 for two weeks, from outside Bizzie Lizzie’s fish & chips shop to the junction of Belmont Wharfe. A fully signed diversion will be in place for motorists.

A dedicated community care officer has been speaking to affected businesses and residents to make them aware of upcoming works, with a public drop-in session held for local residents.

Anna Mycoe, business operations lead for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these works, and thank our customers for their patience and support in getting them completed as quickly as possible.”

For further information about the project contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk