Greens Arms Road closed as 'emergency gas works' take place

The road closure is now in place on Greens Arms Road, between Chapeltown and Blackburn Road just to the north of Egerton.

It is expected to be in place until at least Wednesday, August 21, which is likely to delay road users’ journeys.

Cllr Jean Rigby, of West Pennine, said: “It’s not the first time, we’ve had a few closures on that road in recent times I’m afraid.

“I go along that way to Belmont regularly and it puts a few more miles on my journey and it will put a few more miles on a lot of people’s journeys.

Cadent Gas says vital works are taking place (Image: Cadent)

 “But its essential work, it’s as simple as that.”

She added: “Apparently residents have had a few problems along that road, and I think what they’re doing now is replacing the mains.”

Works have previously taken place on Green Arms Road earlier this year when Cadent Gas needed to carry out remedial works to rectify reinstatement in the carriageway.

At the time, these were just minor works that took place over two days on January 11 and 12 with traffic controlled by two-way signals.

But the latest works this month look to be far more significant and long lasting.

Cllr Rigby, who also sits on North Turton Parish Council, said that these works were taking place alongside various others taking place in nearby Edgworth.

She said: “They’re resurfacing Bolton Road and Wellington Road in Edgworth, remarking road markings that had become so faded that people didn’t even know where they were.”

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has confirmed that Cadent have a permit to continue until next week after which they expect the works to be completed.

Network manager Heather Farmer said: “There is currently a road closure in place on Greens Arms Road due to emergency works that are being undertaken by Cadent Gas.

“They have applied for a permit until Wednesday August 21 at this stage, after which we expect the works to be completed.”

Cadent have said the work they are carrying out is "absolutely vital" but that they expect it to be finished by the slightly later date of Sunday August 25.

A spokesperson said: “Over the years, we have visited Greens Arms Road quite frequently to deal with water entering our gas mains.

"Upon investigation, we’ve found that the pipe in question is several decades old and needs replacing.

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“The work that we are currently doing is to replace the gas main which is absolutely vital to keep the gas flowing in Chapeltown and beyond.

"Ensuring that our customers have a consistent supply of gas for generations to come is our priority and that is why we have chosen to carry out these emergency works.

“Naturally, we understand that closing the road causes frustration to residents and road users, but doing so allows our engineers to carry out these works as safely, and also as quickly as possible.

"We are aiming to have finished the works by August 25, and we want to thank everybody for their patience and understanding.”