ESSENTIAL work is due to get underway to upgrade gas pipes in Newquay town centre.

Wales & West Utilities will be starting the work in the Gover Lane area on Thursday, January 2.

The company has liaised with Cornwall Council to plan the work, and it has been agreed that traffic management will be in place, which includes a road closure on Gover Lane, between the junctions of Bank Street and Beachfield Avenue between January 2 and March 28.

The one-way restriction on Beach Road will be removed between the junctions of Central Square to Gover Lane between January 2 and March 28.

During this time motorists are advised to allow extra travel time.

Wales & West Utilities stated barring any engineering difficulties the project will be finished by the end of March.

Wales & West Utilities Abby Smith, who is managing the gas pipe upgrade work, said: “It is essential to ensure the gas is kept flowing safely to heat and power local homes and businesses, keeping people safe and warm for generations to come.

“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across the wider area.

“Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.

“We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it really is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future. We’ll have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum.

“This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future.”

For members of the public who have any questions about the work, they can contact Wales & West Utilities’ Customer Service Team can be contacted on freephone 0800 912 2999.

Alternatively, people can contact them on X - @WWUtilities - or visit www.facebook.com/wwutilities.