Roadworks lasting two months are set to be carried out as part of an upgrade to the gas distribution network in Penrith.

The £247,000 project work, which will be carried out by Northern Gas Networks (NGN), involves replacing more than 500m of existing metal gas pipes with more durable plastic ones.

The supplier said it will ensure the continued, safe, and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.

The project has been carefully planned in conjunction with Eden Council and TTRO East.

For the works to be carried out as safely as possible, some temporary traffic management measures will be implemented.

Between Monday, April 22 until mid-June, there will be a temporary traffic light system in place on Beacon Edge.

Access to and from the Cemetery will be kept open at all times.

At a later stage in the project, road closures will be in place on Beacon Street, Fell Lane and Brent Road in the town - with a signed diversion route for motorists.

Specific dates for the road closures will be released in due course.

The works are expected to cause delays to journey times, with motorists advised to leave extra time to travel.

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

Shops and businesses in the area will remain open as usual throughout the project.

Dan Hind, site manager for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We have been working closely with Eden Council to carefully plan these works and will be doing all we can to minimise disruption to customers.

“We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience customers may encounter and thank everyone for their support as we work to complete this project as safely and quickly as possible.”

For further information about the project 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 immediately on 0800 111 999.

This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Regular updates on the project will also be available on NGN’s website northerngasnetworks.co.uk, Twitter @NGNgas and Facebook @northerngasnetworks.