WORK has started to upgrade 250 metres of an old gas main underneath a road in Haslingden.

The major work will see a new main installed in Jubilee Road, expected to last more than 80 years.

Cadent, which manages the north west of England’s gas mains, is investing £80,000 into the site.

Work started on Monday and is expected to last for eight weeks.

The pipe is close to the road’s junction with Grane Road and the junction will be closed for the duration.

There is no access to or from Grane Road and a diversion is signposted.

Craig Horrocks, head of Cadent’s mains replacement in the North West, said: “This is vital work, future-proofing our gas mains so customers in Haslingden can enjoy safe and reliable supplies, for heating their homes and cooking meals.

“Our gas mains are mostly located underneath roads, which means we face a big challenge to safely carry out heavy engineering schemes in close proximity to motorists and pedestrians.

“The start of work this month in Jubilee Road is actually the culmination of months of planning, including liaising with the local authority, to agree the best time to carry out the work and how best to safely manage pedestrians and traffic passing our work area.”