Paignton road to close for six weeks during gas pipe upgrade works

Work to upgrade gas pipes in the Grange Road area of Paignton is set to begin later this month, with road closures in place for more than five weeks.

Wales & West Utilities will start the essential upgrade on January 26, with work expected to continue until March 6, subject to progress on site. The project is designed to ensure gas continues to flow safely and reliably to homes and businesses in the area for years to come.

The company has confirmed that Grange Road will be closed to traffic for the duration of the works, following discussions with Torbay Council. A signed diversion route will be in place throughout the project.

Natalie Raphael, who is managing the scheme for Wales & West Utilities, said the work was necessary despite the disruption it may cause.

She said: “We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.

“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of this community. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.

“This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport green gases in the future.”

Residents with questions about the project can contact Wales & West Utilities’ customer service team on 0800 912 2999, message @WWUtilities on X, or visit the company’s Facebook page.

Wales & West Utilities is responsible for transporting gas – not selling it – and maintains more than 35,000 kilometres of underground pipes, supplying energy to over 7.5 million people across Wales and the South West.

Anyone who smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide is advised to call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999, which is available 24 hours a day.