I promised that I would provide an update following the meeting I had a few days ago with the specialist engineers at Southern Gas Networks, who are planning to replace the gas main on the Pembury Road which serves much of Tunbridge Wells.
I was able to better understand that it is not possible simply to shut down the current gas main in the middle of the carriageway and build a permanent replacement pipe to the side of the road. In fact, what happens is that the new plastic pipe is inserted through the existing iron main so that it is encased by it, giving greater protection to the pipe and also requiring less time for construction.
I was told that SGN will have to pay Kent County Council for the use of the road during its closure, and I have asked for some of that money to be used to provide bus access around the blockage.
I secured a clear commitment from SGN that there would be flexibility in the hours worked, beyond the 7pm cut off, to ensure the works are not delayed.
But I was told that working through the night on gas mains is reserved for emergency repairs only for reasons of safety.
Since it is so important to minimise the length of the disruption, and imperative to finish before the schools return in September, 24 hour working seems to me a way to achieve this. As SGN has to abide by the supervision of the Health and Safety Executive, I have asked for a meeting with the HSE so that I can understand precisely what their requirements are.
I will update constituents again when I have had that meeting.