Emergency works are under way to protect gas supply to around 7,000 homes, after an issue was identified on a pipe that runs beneath a road in Mottram.

Cadent, which manages the local gas network, discovered leaks on the 12-inch diameter pipeline that provides the main feed of gas into the Glossop area.

Its teams made everything safe over the weekend and are now starting what will be a major project to ensure gas keeps flowing while they carry out repairs.

This starts with the creation of an eight-metre-long, four-metre-wide, 1.5-metre-deep excavation in Ashworth Lane, Mottram, near the junction with Market Place.

Teams will then create a temporary bypass – so that gas can continue to flow around the section of pipe that needs to be repaired, while the repairs take place.

A one-way road closure has been in place since Friday and this will become a full road closure (of Ashworth Lane, at this junction) from today (Monday). 

Traffic will need to follow the short, signed diversion, and delays should be expected.

The work is likely to continue into early March.

Trevor Lubbock, Customer Operations Area Manager from Cadent, said: “This is a very complex repair, involving contractors who specialise in this type of engineering.

“The project needs to be planned with precision, and every phase treated with care, so that we ensure we keep everyone safe and keep gas flowing.

“We hope people understand that, due to the nature of what we’re dealing with here, safety – of the public and of our workers – will always be our first priority.

“We are very conscious of the disruption this is causing and we will work as quickly as we safely can.”

People who smell gas are advised to always call 0800 111 999* immediately, day or night and do not assume it is related to nearby work as it may not be and needs to be checked.