ONE hundred and fifty homes in one of the remotest parts of Pendle are being given the opportunity to get hooked up to the gas network.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson has been in discussions with National Grid after an approach from Goldshaw Booth Parish Council.

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Residents in Barley, Newchurch and Spen Brook could benefit from a connection scheme – but would have to find between £8,000 and £12,000.

Bosses at National Grid have signalled that they will proceed with the initiative if 40 per cent of those qualifying sign up.

But there is a warning that the costs could increase if pipework, from Fence to Barley Green, had to be laid across Barley Bridge.

Mr Stephenson said: “The benefits of being on the grid are clear and this is very much in response to local interest in getting connected.

“I have written to those living in the Pendleside villages who are off the gas grid but could be connected through this scheme, presenting them with all the information currently available.

“It is now up to the residents to decide whether the scheme is affordable and right for them. They will need to register their interest for it to go ahead. I look forward to receiving any enquiries and pushing this forward if there’s a strong enough response.”

Emma Fitzgerald, the National Grid’s gas distribution director, said: “For the project to be economical for consumers, we would require a minimum of 40 per cent of the 150 properties to be interested in the provision of gas and subsequent acceptance of our quotation for the project to proceed.

“The costs of the works are chargeable to the individual premises to be connected. Anyone who subsequently requires gas will be charged for their connection at the appropriate rate.”

An analyst for the utility company has placed the basic cost of mains installation at £8,800, with a further £3,600 connection charge.

An investigation will also be undertaken to determine why the properties affected were not originally connected when the existing pipework was laid.