Two major roadworks projects have been announced with road closures on Carlisle routes - coinciding with water works in the city.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN) has revealed it will be “upgrading its gas distribution network” on both Newtown Road and West Walls in Carlisle.

The former will see six weeks of works starting on July 27, with a closure in place between Newtown Road and the McVitie’s roundabout for the first half of the works.

For the remaining three weeks, engineers will move onto Wigton Road, where there will be a further diversion.

NGN say the project will see about 40m of existing metal gas pipes replaced with more durable plastic ones.

The supplier says the “ageing metal gas main” has required several repairs in recent years and the project will mean less disruption in the future. They say they’ve been working with Carlisle City Council to minimise the impact.

Starting on July 13, the West Walls works will replace about 400m of existing metal gas pipes with plastic ones.

This seven-week project will see temporary traffic lights installed for up five weeks and a road closure for two weeks from Castle Way down to the lower viaduct. Motorists are advised to follow the diversion route in place.

Louise Atkinson, who represents the West Walls area as Carlisle City Councillor for the Cathedral and Castle ward, said: “It is obviously going to have an impact, especially with what happened with the former Central Plaza Hotel, that area has already had difficulties.

“This will be further upheaval for them, but it is work that needs to be done. The works will hopefully mean the network will not need to be constantly repaired. It could be advantageous to do this when things are a little quieter.”

Despite saying it will impact businesses, Mrs Atkinson stopped short of saying the problems caused could lead to businesses going under.

“I don’t think it will be the culmination of roadworks that will do it, it will be how consumers come out at what is a difficult time for everybody,” she said.

The works will coincide with United Utilities works on Milbourne Street, Charlotte Street and Denton Street in Denton Holme, which will restart on June 29.

Richie Manuel, business operational leader for Northern Gas Networks in Cumbria, said: “We appreciate nobody likes roadworks, but this work is crucial to ensure a safe and reliable supply of gas for homes and businesses in the future. Everything will be done to complete the work as quickly and safely as possible.”

Northern Gas Networks is continuing to prioritise work in line with UK government guidance and has extra safety precautions in place to keep everyone safe and ensure that its workplaces are Covid secure.

NGN’s Customer Care Officers have been door-knocking local homes and businesses to make customers aware of the project, while on-site signage will advise motorists of the work taking place.

Residents with concerns can contact Louise Atkinson, by emailing louise.Atkinson@carlisle.gov.uk.

For more information, contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.