THE centre of a Tyne Valley community is in line for a £3,000 boost after major underground works were completed.

Corbridge residents endured weeks of road closures as gas mains were upgraded by the North of England’s gas distributor, Northern Gas Networks (NGN).

New durable pipes were installed from the north side of the bridge to the bottom of Cow Lane.

The works ran through the Market Place, and included road closures on Front Street and Watling Street.

But the £150,000 scheme was regarded as essential to keep the gas supply flowing safely and reliably, and will provide infrastructure to cope with Corbridge’s growing population.

Now that the works have been completed, however, NGN has decided to make a £3,000 donation to Corbridge Parish Council.

The cash will be used to upgrade the railings outside the Co-op, on Hill Street, with councillors keen to replace them with something more in keeping with the central location, which sits within Corbridge’s conservation area.

Alex Brightman of Northern Gas Networks said the firm had worked closely with the community to keep people informed prior to, and during the project.

He added: “We kept local residents informed with letter drops, consultation sessions and regular communication with the parish council. We thank local residents for their patience and look forward to seeing the new railings installed soon.”

Coun. William Clouston, chairman of Corbridge Parish Council, said: “Whilst nobody enjoys the disruption of roadworks, Northern Gas Networks were very professional in their approach and kept any inconvenience to a minimum.

“We thank them for their generous contribution to upgrading the public realm in the centre of our village.”

Parish councillor Nick Oliver, who also represents Corbridge on Northumberland County Council, said the new railings, which will be made of iron, were very much needed.

He added: “Northern Gas Networks have been exemplary in their approach to this work, keeping everybody informed and staying ahead of schedule.

“These new iron railings in a sandstone base will be in keeping with the conservation area status of much of Corbridge.”