MOTORISTS are being warned about travel delay for new equipment being fitted to gas supply underneath a main road in Bacup.

Newchurch Road will remain open in both directions, but motorists will find traffic lights managing the flow of vehicles around the work area for two weeks.

A spokesman for Cadent, the gas network carrying out this work, said: “This is major engineering work on a medium pressure gas main.

“It’s an essential upgrade to enable us to safely distribute gas that’s relied on by thousands of local homes for their central heating systems and cooking.

“What we’re doing is upgrading a valve on the pipe and we’re doing this at Newchurch Road’s junction with Olive Street.

“We have posted letters to the residents in Olive Street but are keen to let everyone who uses Newchurch Road know about this too.

“When you’re carrying out major work like this, in close proximity to motorists and pedestrians, our absolute priority will always be everyone’s safety.

“So while we know it’s not ideal and frustrating to be sat at traffic lights, we hope people understand why it’s necessary. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding.”

There should be no disruption to gas supplies while this is carried out. If you smell gas, do not dismiss it as related to this work – report it immediately to 0800 111 999.