Latest news with #Wales&WestUtilities
Pembrokeshire Herald
a day ago
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Welsh Water urges customers to conserve water after record-breaking dry spring
MAJOR traffic disruption in Pembroke caused by temporary traffic lights installed for road works at Bush Hill (A4139) has sparked widespread public outrage, with residents and local businesses expressing frustration and anger at severe delays. Traffic lights installed by Wales & West Utilities at the junction have reportedly allowed only minimal vehicles through at a time, leading to significant tailbacks and lengthy delays throughout Monday. Wales & West Utilities Programme Controller for Pembroke, Adam Smith, said: 'We are working in the Well Hill area of Pembroke, to upgrade the gas network. This work is essential to keep the gas flowing safely to heat and power local homes and businesses and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport greener gas. 'In agreement with Pembrokeshire County Council and in order to keep the local community, road users and our colleagues safe while we work, four-way traffic lights are in place along Well Hill at its junction with Holyland Road, Main Street and Station Road. 'These lights are manned during peak traffic hours; however, we are now increasing the number of traffic officers to try and improve the flow of traffic. While this should help us minimise disruption, we would still encourage people to leave more time for travel and to take alternative routes if at all possible. 'Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect to complete our work on Well Hill and remove these lights by 21 July. 'Before our work started, we wrote to homes and businesses in the area letting them know what to expect and held a community drop-in session where people could learn more about the plans. We would like to thank the local community for their patience during these works. We appreciate that working on roads like this is not ideal, and we're sorry for the disruption our work is causing, but it really is essential to keep the gas flowing and to make sure the network is fit for the future.' Jonathan Grimes, County Councillor for Pembroke St Mary South & Monkton, expressed deep concern about the disruption, stating he had spoken directly to Wales & West Utilities and was liaising with Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC). Residents voiced their frustration online, highlighting journeys normally taking ten minutes were lasting up to an hour and a half. Local business owner Peter Chesmore described the situation as a 'damn disgrace,' saying it took him 45 minutes to make a short journey to work. Chesmore further demanded night-time works to reduce disruption or financial compensation for affected businesses through rate relief. School runs were particularly affected, with Anne Braithwaite noting she was 40 minutes late picking up her grandson from nursery. Commuters like Amanda Jane Mcknight and Margaret Powell shared similar stories of extensive delays, suggesting traffic management should mirror arrangements made during Pembroke Fair, using alternative routes or two-way systems to ease congestion. Concerns were also raised about emergency service accessibility, with locals noting a potential risk if ambulances or fire engines needed rapid passage through the area. Residents including Virginia Billing described feeling 'imprisoned' in Monkton due to continuous traffic disruptions in recent months, further exacerbating frustration and calls for urgent action. Councillor Grimes acknowledged a failure in initial traffic management, revealing traffic signals had not been adequately manned initially by Wales & West Utilities. He confirmed that PCC had intervened to address the issues.
Leader Live
24-06-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Residents react as busy Wrexham road to close for two months
The Leader recently reported that Dean Road was set to close for a period of 61 days from June 16. That is because Wales & West Utilities is working to replace the gas mains underneath the carriageway. The road is now closed from the Greyhound Roundabout in a northerly direction towards Jeffreys Road. The alternative route for vehicles affected by the closure is via Borras Road, Rhosnesni Lane, A5152 Chester Road/Powell Road/Bodhyfryd and A534 Holt Road. And, although pedestrian access is being maintained throughout the period of closure, residents have still been left frustrated by the move. Many of them have been getting in touch with us to share their views. Dean Road, Wrexham (Image: Google Streetview) Sue Breese described it as a 'nightmare' for residents living in Borras, while Sam Roberts added; "It's a nightmare when using the scout hut and I'm sure it will affect the shop too!" Lynn Alison told us; "I've never known a road to have as many road closures as this one." Charlotte Powell added: "And part of the Holt Road is one way. Absolute chaos." Barry Turnbull said: "Why can't they wait for the schools to end first?" Michelle Bee added: "It was a nightmare the last time they shut that road. I'm glad my son has finished school and I won't be having to drive that route! Good luck, and my deepest sympathy for the residents and other road users." Wales & West Utilities began the £260,000 project on Holt Road back in April and, barring any engineering difficulties, it will finish by the end of September. The gas emergency and pipeline service has liaised with Wrexham Council to plan the project, and it has been agreed that traffic management will be in place throughout. TOP STORIES Wales & West Utilities Adam Smith is managing this work and 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. "We'll have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum. "While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across the wider Wrexham area. 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." Their customer service team is ready to take your call if you have any questions about the work via 0800 912 2999.
South Wales Argus
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Thorne Avenue in Newbridge to be shut for over a month
Thorne Avenue is closed from between its junction with North Road and property number 13 Thorne Avenue. The closure, requested by Wales & West Utilities, is expected to last until July 11. Caerphilly County Borough Council issued the order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. While motorists will be prohibited from using Thorne Avenue, pedestrian, emergency services, and resident access will be maintained where possible. The order will not apply to vehicles being used in an emergency for fire brigade, ambulance, or police purposes. Alternative routes for motorists have been suggested via North Road, Park Hill, and Alexandra Place. The council advised that the order will last for a maximum of 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is sooner. Wales & West Utilities is overseeing the work and has provided contact details for further information. Residents and motorists seeking more information can reach out to Matthew Bishop at Wales & West Utilities on 0800 912 2999 during office hours. The order was issued by Marcus Lloyd, head of infrastructure at Caerphilly County Borough Council, and is dated May 30, 2025.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Major Exmouth gas network upgrade making 'good progress'
A major gas network upgrade is moving forward on schedule. The £552,000 investment project is being delivered by Wales & West Utilities in the Salterton Road area of Exmouth to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of gas to homes and businesses now and for years to come. The work, which began in February, involves upgrading ageing gas pipes as part of a wider programme to modernise the network. Roxanne Whittaker from Wales & West Utilities said: "We are making good progress with this project and, barring any engineering difficulties, we are on track to finish during November. "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 people across the area. "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 hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future." Wales & West Utilities has worked closely with Devon County Council to coordinate the project and manage traffic disruption. Current traffic measures include a road closure on the Salterton Road service road until Thursday, June 20, and a parking suspension on Salterton Road, also in place until June 20. Chapel Lane will be closed from Sunday, June 23, until the end of August, with residents being notified directly about access arrangements. Anyone with questions about the work can contact the company's customer service team on 0800 912 2999, or reach out via X (formerly Twitter) @WWUtilities or on Facebook at Wales & West Utilities serves around 7.5 million people across the South West of England and Wales.
South Wales Argus
21-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Gas emergency and pipeline service in Newport wins award
Wales & West Utilities, which looks after the gas network for Wales and the south west of England, was announced as the winner of the Investment in People category at the 2025 Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) Gas Industry Awards. The company was praised for its "pioneering financial benefits and wellbeing support" provided to its workforce of more than 2,000 colleagues. Judges commended the firm for responding to employee feedback and launching a financial and wellbeing initiative centred around colleague needs. The initiative allows employees to have autonomy over financial benefits, based on their individual priorities. Bethan Jones, head of people and engagement, said: "Being hailed the winner in the Investment in People category in these awards is fantastic, and it's great that IGEM has recognised the work that we are undertaking to ensure our colleagues are at the heart of our operations. "As a team we are dedicated to the very best HR and people practices, and to be recognised alongside other industry leaders is an honour." Wales & West Utilities was also a finalist in three other award categories: Large Company of the Year (Over 250 Employees), Customer Service, and Engineer of the Year. The company brings energy to 7.5 million people across the south west of England and Wales.
