Gas contractors who demolished a Carlisle landmark have been named the most considerate in the UK.

Northern Gas Networks took down the former gasometer on Rome Street at the end of last year.

It had been part of the city skyline for decades, having been built in 1928 to store town gas or coal gas.

But it was mothballed in the 1990s, as it was no longer needed to store reserve supplies of gas. Northern Gas Networks then decided the time had come to dismantle it.

Now the work site has been crowned most considerate in a national awards scheme, which recognises the gold standard in construction.

The accolade comes from the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS).

Northern Gas Networks, the North of England’s gas distributor, picked up the award for most considerate site 2019 (under £500,000) at a ceremony in London.

As well as scooping the top award, Northern Gas Networks also picked up a further 49 awards for work sites across the north of England, including schemes in Maryport and Wigton.

Tim Harwood, head of programme management for Northern Gas Networks, said: “The gas holder on Rome Street has been an iconic landmark in Carlisle for decades.

“We wanted to make sure that we removed the structure in a way that was sensitive to local communities, and to the environment.

“We worked closely with local people, including schools, so that they could commemorate the site before it disappeared from the skyline.

“The whole team is thrilled to win this award. It’s a great feeling to have all that hard work acknowledged at a national level.”

The CCS scheme sends assessors around the country to grade sites on their consideration towards local neighbourhoods, the public, safety, workforce and the environment.

Its chief executive, Edward Hardy said the winners represent the very best of the construction industry.

“We are always amazed by the increasing levels of performance on site across the country, and we look forward to performance continuing to increase,” he added.