ESSENTIAL works to upgrade an old, underground gas main will take place over the October half-term school holidays.

Gas network Cadent has commissioned work to replace almost 100 metres of pipe that’s reached the end of its safe operating life.

The ageing metallic main under Denton Greens Lane will be replaced with a durable plastic pipe that will have an 80-year lifespan.

It will carry gas used to heat thousands of local homes.

It also gets the local gas network ready to carry greener gases – such as biomethane (now) and hydrogen (coming soon) – both of which are essential for the UK to achieve a ‘net zero’ future.

The gas team will be working in the town centre-bound lane of Dentons Green Lane.

They will work every day, including weekends, starting Saturday 24th October. The work will finish before the end of half-term.

In order to carry out this work safely, with least disruption, Cowley Hill Lane will be closed at its junction with Dentons Green Lane. A diversion route will be signposted.

Multi-way traffic lights will manage a safe flow of vehicles using Duke Street, Boundary Road and Dentons Green Lane.

READ > When the clocks go back this year

Some properties – those next to the work area, along this 100-metre stretch of road – may have their gas supply temporarily impacted. Advance warning will be given and supply will be fully restored on the same day.

Cadent manages the network of more than 21,000 miles of gas pipes in North West England, which distribute gas to 2.7 million homes, hospitals, schools, offices and other buildings, as well as to industry and HGV fuel stations.

More than 90 per cent of homes in St Helens are heated by gas.

The October half-term holidays are due to take place in St Helens during the week of Monday, October 26 to Friday 30.