SEVERE disruption is expected for businesses and residents as 'essential' pipe works are carried out in a town.

Works will start next week to upgrade an underground gas mains pipe to keep energy flowing in Bacup until the end of the century.

Local gas network Cadent is replacing over 250 metres of the ageing metal main under Bacup's market street with a tough, durable plastic pipe.

The work is part of Cadent’s £77.5m investment to replace around 500 kilometres of gas mains in the North West this year, and part of a wider, nationwide project by the gas networks to upgrade mains pipes across the UK.

Steve Murray, who heads Cadent’s gas mains replacement programme, said: “The existing main under Market Street has now reached the natural end of its life. "We need to replace it to ensure gas continues to arrive safely to the thousands of homes in the area which rely on it, to keep warm and cook meals.

“This new pipe will last upwards of 80 years."

The works are expected to cause heavy disruption for residents, shoppers, business owners and visitors of the town.

Market Street itself will be reduced to one lane, with temporary traffic lights installed to control the flow of vehicles travelling each way.

Vehicles will not be able to access Market Street from Bank Street, Bankside Lane, Maitland Street or Union Street, although access to these roads remain for residents.

A signed diversion route, agreed with Lancashire County Council, will be in place and a map of that has been sent to all residents.

Letters have also been sent to every house and property directly affected.

All businesses on the street will remain open.

Mr Murray added: "The gas pipe sits under Market Street, so we can’t avoid causing disruption during the 15 weeks it will take to complete this work.

"We’ve planned this job for many months and have agreed temporary traffic arrangements with Lancashire County Council to ensure we can work safely in the road and keep traffic moving.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience while we carry out this essential work.”

Cllr Peter Steen, who lives in Bacup, said: "The works are definitely necessary.

"The old gas mains have the potential to cause trouble in the future if they aren't replaced with more suitable material.

"There will be travel problems of course and I feel sorry for the people that commute into the town, and they do have my sympathies, but it is necessary.

"The disruption is unfortunate but the works need to be done if we want gas to be safely transported to the town."

The works will commence on Monday.

For more details the project’s customer team can be contacted on 0161 703 1000.