Work on a £660,000 gas network upgrade is set to begin in New Cumnock this week.

Gas distribution company SGN will be carrying out the works in the Afton Bridgend area.

SGN is investing £660,000 to upgrade the gas network by replacing existing metal gas mains with new plastic pipe as part of an ongoing programme of essential work developed with the Health and Safety Executive.

Following close consultation with Ayrshire Roads Alliance and Scotland Transerve, the project will start on Monday, August 12 and last approximately seven weeks.

The firm will be working in Afton Bridgend from outside numbers 176-116 for three weeks as of Monday 12. Work will be carried out in the footpath.

From Monday, September 9, SGN will continue to work in Afton Bridgend from outside Afton Court to outside Valley Medical Practice. To ensure everyone’s safety during this phase, the company will install temporary two-way traffic lights in Afton Bridgend for three weeks.

SGN project manager, Steven Leckie, said: “We’ve worked closely with the local authorities in planning this work and we will be doing everything we can to limit disruption during our essential work in New Cumnock.

“We appreciate that roadworks can be frustrating, however, the new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years. This means once the work is completed, New Cumnock homes and businesses will enjoy the benefits of a continued safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come.”