Update from Cadent
Date Added: 19/08/2022
A meeting between Ward Councillor Simon Ford, Sandy Mayor Councillor Martin Pettitt, Deputy Mayor Councillor Joanna Hewitt, and a representative from Cadent Gas, took place last week on site of the current works being undertaken by the company. Cllrs raised concerns from residents and business owners about the disruption to the High Street, loss of earnings and requested an explanation to the lengthy delays. The following statement was shared with Sandy Town Council today.
A Cadent spokesperson said: “Due to growth in the area, there has been an increased demand on the gas supply in Sandy. Cadent have been working in the area, inserting a new gas pipe that will ensure that everyone can enjoy a safe and reliable gas supply for decades to come.
There have been delays to this project, this is due to engineering difficulties that we could not foresee until we began working on site.
Many of these challenges have been underground. Engineers on site are having to dig deeper than they normally would on similar projects, to avoid damaging the other utilities (water pipes and electric cables) that are running underneath Sandy. Other challenges have included walls and debris underground and additional welding to accommodate the areas unique geography.
We are now moving towards the final stage of the project (further details to be found here). We would like to apologise for any frustration caused and thank everyone for their patience during these vital works."
To complete the works safely, we will need to install 4 – way lighting on High Street, at the junction of Station Road/ Potton Road, starting on Monday 5th September for approximately 4 weeks. Dates may be subject to change due to engineering or finishing a phase of works earlier. The gas supply to residents should not be affected during the works and local shops and businesses will remain open as usual.
Cllr Martin Pettitt added: "The on site meeting and our discussions with representatives from Cadent were useful and enabled us to gain a much better understanding of the complex challenges they have had to contend with, most notably below ground in order to safely install and commission the new gas main. The point was however strongly put across to Cadent that the almost 3 month delay to date in completion of the works without any public explanation or apology has resulted in a considerable amount of disruption, inconvenience and in some instances financial loss to local residents, traders and visitors to the town.
"I cannot and will not try to pretend that either that meeting or the subsequent exchanges, which have contributed to the delay in this update being issued are likely to hasten final completion of these particular works or in themselves helped to bring closer the day when our High Street is free of temporary traffic lights but Cadent has renewed it's commitment to ensure their works will be completed at the earliest possible date and if that is all that is achieved then I judge the effort was worth it."
If you do feel the work has negatively impacted you or your business, please contact Cadent directly as we have measures in place to support you.
You can call 0800 389 8000 or submit and enquiry via our website www.cadentgas.com/contact-us