Aylsham gas main roadworks delayed

A major gas pipe renewal at Aylsham will take longer than expected because of the bad state of the old iron mains.Roadworks began in White Hart Street on April 6 and were due to last two weeks before switching last Monday to Red Lion Street, where work is due to last two months.

A major gas pipe renewal at Aylsham will take longer than expected because of the bad state of the old iron mains.

Roadworks began in White Hart Street on April 6 and were due to last two weeks before switching last Monday to Red Lion Street, where work is due to last two months.

But the state of the old iron mains was worse than expected and the first phase was over-running, meaning the Red Lion Street closure will not now happen until May 4 after the Bank Holiday, said Norfolk County Council spokesman Susie Lockwood.

Work in Red Lion Street is now due to finish at the end of June and include resurfacing of the roads - but it too could take longer depending on the state of the mains, she added.

The scheme involves replacement of 300m of aging mains with plastic piping that has a life-span of 80 years.

Closure of the streets, including the picturesque shop-lined Red Lion Street, has not caused any great outcry in the town. Only one person raised it at this week's annual town meeting, and was concerned with the long-term fate of diverted bus routes, said town clerk Maureen Anderson-Dungar.