Gas works that caused major delays, disruptions and long detours have sparked criticism from residents and councillors.
Gas works on Swan Lane in Sandhurst sparked heavy criticism after a closure under the railway bridge ran from 10 November to 19 December. SGN said the shutdown was for pipeline upgrades.
The works caused major disruption in the run-up to Christmas, hitting businesses on the Vulcan Way estate and forcing Royal Mail vans to do a 4.5-mile diversion for five weeks to deliver cards and parcels to Sandhurst homes and firms.
On the morning the closure began, motorists were seen removing cones to pass under the bridge and even driving up onto the pavement to get past the roadblock. As work moved up Swan Lane into Derby Green Road, the area under the bridge stayed closed and was used to store barriers, diggers and equipment.
The issue was raised at a Bracknell council meeting on 15 January by cllr Zahuruddin, who questioned the council's handling of the disruption. He asked:
“What specific actions is the Council taking — including through its statutory powers under the New Roads and Street Works Act, and through the Berkshire Streetworks Permit Scheme — to ensure SGN improves its planning, timeliness, communication and reinstatement quality?
“Will the Cabinet commit to publishing data on SGN’s overruns, permit breaches and complaints so residents can see performance clearly?”
Cllr Gillbe acknowledged the disruption but said officers had not found breaches that would trigger enforcement: “Officers have not identified permit breaches or overruns that would give rise to enforcement action under the permit.
“As no permit breaches or overruns have been identified, there is no data on overruns and permit breaches to publish.”
When pressed for details on permit variations, inspections and utility performance, he agreed to provide the figures once compiled: “I am very happy to share that data.
“It will obviously take time to compile, but I will ensure it is shared with you in a reasonable timescale and for full transparency I will share it with the other members of the council.”
MP Peter Swallow said he had raised problems with the closure and pushed SGN to remove unpermitted barriers. He added: “While replacing Victorian gas pipes with new plastic pipes across Crowthorne and Sandhurst does need to be done, I am disappointed by the errors and lack of joined up thinking that has brought huge disruption to residents.
“I continue to engage with all parties to understand what lessons have been learned this winter, so that vital upgrades can be done better in future.”
SGN spokesperson Waseem Hanif said: “We replaced old metal gas mains in Sandhurst as part of an ongoing 30-year programme to upgrade the gas network, ensuring a safe and reliable supply for homes and businesses.
“We’d like to thank the Sandhurst community for their patience and understanding while we carried out these essential upgrades.”
Ted ONeill, Local Democracy Reporter
