Wormington to Sapperton Pipeline

 

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The Pipeline (although contriversial) has created alot of interest in and around the Cotswolds, bringing employment and a cash injection to the area. Below is an outline of what work will be comencing over the next few months.

 

 

 

 

Main construction work will start over the next few weeks on the new 44 km, 900mm-diameter (36”) pipeline linking National Grid's existing installations at Wormington (near Broadway) and Sapperton (near Cirencester). The essential pipeline will meet the growing demand for reliable and economic gas supplies in the South West of England by next winter.

 

 

The work involves fencing the working area (the ‘spread’), removing and storing topsoil, and digging a trench, which will then be backfilled once the pipeline has been laid. The new pipeline is expected to be in operation by the Autumn, although reinstatement of the land may continue after this time.

 

 

National Grid has been working extensively with the Gloucestershire County Council Rights of Way team, and local walkers to ensure the majority of footpaths and bridleways that cross the pipeline construction area will remain open throughout the work, with stiles or kissing gates being installed at crossing points to allow access.

 

 

Where rights of way cannot be kept open, short diversions are provided and clearly signposted. However, extra care should be taken when crossing the working area and dogs kept on a lead. For safety reasons, some rights of way may need to be closed for around 48 hours when we are trenching and laying the pipe into the ground.

 

 

Senior project manager, Ian Sarson said:

"Protection and enhancement of the environment are very important to National Grid and we have consulted widely with statutory bodies such as the Environment Agency, English Nature, stakeholders, including the Cotswolds Conservation Board (CCB), and other local farming, conservation and community groups.

 

 

"We are committed to effectively managing and monitoring our works, with our ultimate aim being to restore all of the land to its original pre-construction condition and ensure effects to the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including the drystone walls, are kept to a minimum”.

 

 

Throughout the planning and construction of the project, National Grid uses environmental and archaeological specialists to ensure compliance with legislation and the conditions stipulated by the Department of Energy and Climate Change when consent for pipeline construction was granted.

 

 

National Grid has appointed PPS Pipeline Services to build the pipeline, and their normal working hours will be 7am to 7pm Monday-Friday and 7am to 4pm on Saturdays.