WORK to invest £150,000 in the gas network in Corbridge will close a busy section of road for three weeks.

The North of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks, is completing work which involves laying new durable plastic pipes around Corbridge.

As well as keeping the gas supply flowing safely and reliably, it will provide infrastructure to deal with Corbridge’s growing population.

The last phase of the work will begin on Monday, March 9, on the corner outside the Wheatsheaf Inn at the junction of Watling Street and St Helen’s Street.

The corner will be closed to vehicles for three weeks and traffic will be diverted along Hill Street until the works are complete.

The diversion has been signposted, but residents living at Bank Top will still have access to their homes.

The first phase of the project which took place on Front Street has now been completed.

Northern Gas Networks said the work was currently being carried out on Watling Street, and it was necessary to temporarily close the parking bays in front of the shops.

Andy Rodda, site manager for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We have planned this essential work in close partnership with Northumberland County Council and Corbridge Parish Council.

“We understand that it may cause inconvenience for people in the area, and we would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding.”

County councillor Nick Oliver said: “These works will cause some disruption as the Wheatsheaf Corner is temporarily closed but Northern Gas Networks is ahead of schedule and has done all it can to keep local residents and businesses informed. If anybody has any concerns they can contact Northern Gas Networks directly or they can email me at nick.oliver24@outlook.com and I will contact them.”