OREANDA-NEWS. Work is underway on a major gas mains upgrade in Kirby Muxloe that will keep gas flowing to homes and businesses until the end of the century.

Over the next five months gas network operator National Grid will be replacing more than seven kilometres (over four miles) of ageing metal mains with brand new, hardwearing plastic pipes. The new pipes will last for at least 80 years.

The first phase of the project started in Station Road, during the Easter Holidays and is expected to be completed by the end of May.

People returning to work and school on Monday (28 April) after the holidays are being advised that there are temporary traffic lights in Station Road, close to the junction with Forest Drive. The lights are needed to carry out the work safely.

During the five-month project, due to be completed in September, National Grid will also be replacing mains in Gullet Lane, Forest Drive, Desford Road, Lime Grove and Stamford Lane.

Mark Allsop, National Grid Area Representative, said: "Our job is to connect people to the energy they need and this project will ensure local people continue to enjoy safe and reliable gas supplies for decades to come.

"We will be in touch with residents before work starts in their street. We appreciate that our work can cause disruption and we will make every effort to minimise the inconvenience and complete the project as quickly as we can."

If anyone has any queries about the work and how it will affect them they can contact customer services on 0800 096 5678.

The gas main replacement in Kirby Muxloe is part of an £800 million investment National Grid is making to renew gas mains in the East of England running up until 2021.