WORK on upgrading part of York’s gas network was due to get under way today as power bosses devote almost £500,000 towards the scheme.

Engineers will today begin replacing 4.5km of old metal gas mains with modern plastic pipes in the Huntington area of the city, with the project expected to take about 11 weeks to complete.

The £492,000 operation will ultimately benefit residents in Anthea Drive, Beech Glade, Blackthorn Drive, Briar Drive, Brockfield Road, Brockfield Park Drive, East Way, Elm Grove, Fox Covert, Gorse Paddock and Heather Croft, as well as those living in Highthorn Road, Maythorn Road, Orchard Gardens, Redthorn Drive, Whitethorn Drive, New Lane, Huntington Road and Kestrel Wood Way.

It is being carried out by workers from United Utilities and Morgan Est on behalf of gas pipeline owner Northern Gas Networks, whose director Chris Gorman said: “We will do everything we can to minimise the disruption.

“The good news is that we will be using modern technology to reduce the number of excavations we need to complete the work and our new plastic pipes are more durable and flexible and have a lifespan of at least 80 years.”

The company will base a customer liaison officer on site throughout the scheme to provide information to the public.