Earls Colne Gas Mains Replacement

    Upgrading the ageing gas pipes

    Cadent manages the local network of underground pipes that carry gas to homes, schools, hospitals, offices, and other buildings, where it is used for heating, hot water and cooking.

    • Modernising gas pipes that have been in operation for over a century
    • Upgrade will future-proof the network
    • Works began on Monday 26 January 2026 and run until the end of April 2026

    Cadent is replacing approximately 1000m of gas pipes along Church Hill, Park Lane, Upper Holt Street, Colneford Hill, and Colne Park Road. The planned activity will involve the decommissioning of the current metallic gas pipes and installing tough new pipes which will last for decades, future-proofing the local network.

    Amber Greensmith, Head of Customer Experience at Cadent, said: We have a responsibility to make sure every property that uses gas has access to it 24/7, 365 days a year and these essential works will ensure we keep that promise here in the East of England.

    We are very conscious of the disruption roadworks cause and hope people understand this is necessary and essential work, to ensure everyone’s safety and maintain a reliable gas supply for your central heating systems.

    We work closely with the council and local Highways Authority to find the best possible diversion, but we must ensure that any route is suitable for all traffic. Sometimes this means that the diversion can appear longer, but that is to ensure traffic continues to flow without causing any further disruption.

    I thank everybody for their patience as we take the measures needed to ensure our engineers can carry out these works as safely, and as swiftly, as possible.

    Gas stays ON for the duration of work. The only interruption to supply will be to properties that take a direct feed from the pipes being replaced (in the immediate local area). Supply to these properties will be disconnected for a short while (it will be back on the same day it goes off), as the property gets connected into the new pipe. Advance notice will be given, and more information will be provided to these properties.

    If you smell gas, always ring the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999*, day or night. Do not assume it is related to this work; it may not be and needs to be checked.

    Project Summary

    Phase One - Church Hill from junction with Park Lane to junction with Coggeshall Road

    Start date: 26 January 2026

    Duration: Approximately two weeks

    Details of work: Road closure in place with traffic lights on Coggeshall Road/ Upper Holt St

    Phase Two and Three - Coggeshall Road to junction with tennis courts

    Start date: 16 February 2026

    Duration: Approximately two to three weeks

    Details of work: Road closure (on Upper Holt Street)

    Phases Four to Six – Lower Holt Street from junction with Upper Holt Street to junction with Colneford Park / Colneford Hill

    Start date: 2 March 2026

    Duration: Approximately three to four weeks

    Phase Seven – Colneford Park Road to junction with Colchester Road

    Start date: 9 March 2026

    Duration: Approximately two weeks

    *Please note that dates and duration are subject to change.

    It has been a busy first week of work in Earls Colne, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as our engineers carry out this essential work. The team will continue working over the weekend as we look to make good progress on phase one of the project.

    We also wanted to say a big thank you to all the residents (and four-legged friends) who stopped by at the gazebo event today to learn more about the scheme and how it all works. The customer team thoroughly enjoyed speaking with so many people, listening to any concerns, and answering your questions.

    If you were unable to attend today’s event, we want to remind you that there is an online meeting planned for 5:30pm on Wednesday 4 February.

    To join the meeting please visit https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/36561389257495?p=XqzgYWzI2lW9zJnSRe

    Meeting ID: 365 613 892 574 95

    Passcode: sw3P23Ue

    We look forward to seeing many of you on the call on Wednesday and will continue to provide updates on this webpage when they are available.

    • PUBLIC EVENTS ABOUT GAS WORKS IN YOUR AREA
    • From 10am until 1pm on Friday 30 January 2026
    • A1124 Colneford Hill, opposite Bridge House, CO6 2PJ

    Members of Cadent's Customer Team will be on hand to discuss the current gas pipe mains replacement work taking place in Earls Colne and White Colne.

    There is no need to book an appointment, just turn up and speak to the team.

    If you are unable to attend then we will be holding a Teams call on Wednesday 4 February at 5:30pm

    Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/36561389257495?p=XqzgYWzI2lW9zJnSRe

    Meeting ID: 365 613 892 574 95

    Passcode: sw3P23Ue

    https://cadentgas.com/news/january-2026/earls-colne-and-white-colne-gas-works

    The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a way that we can help those who have extra communication, access or safety needs to always gain equal access to the best possible service(s). We understand that it can be a stressful time when your gas supply goes off, especially if you find yourself in a vulnerable situation, and the PSR helps us ensure that you can access the care that you deserve.

    The PSR is a completely free service, designed to make it easier for those who need a little extra help. Each energy supplier and electricity network operator maintain their own register, meaning that you can register with us and receive essential benefits that will make the management of your energy supply easier.

    How does it work?

    Depending on your circumstances, being on the PSR gives you access to a variety of services, for example:

    Providing you with alternative heating and cooking facilities should your gas supply be interrupted as part of our works.

    The use of a password facility to keep you safe on your doorstep.

    Nominating someone to deal with your bills or help in a power cut on your behalf.

    Offering you information in other formats like large print, audio CD, braille.

    Providing translation services should there be a need for it 24/7, 365 days of the year.

    Receiving an annual free gas safety check (where eligible) to check your gas supply and appliances are safe to use.

    • Advance notice of planned power cuts by your electricity network operator so you can prepare or advise them that you may need help on the day.
    • Priority support in the event of a power cut. Network operators aim to provide welfare in the form of meals, drinks, warmth and charging points, as well as receiving priority updates.
    • For the purposes of safety, if you are unable to reach your gas emergency control valve (ECV) due to poor mobility, we may be able to move this for you. To find out if you are eligible for this service, please call us on 0800 0745 788 to talk with one of our team members to discuss it further.
    • Priority support from your water company in the event of a water supply issue or outage.
    • A ‘Knock & Wait’ service, making home visits more convenient and easier, allowing you extra time to get to the door.

    We will visit each customer in the area and will speak with you individually regarding maintaining access to your home.

    For more information on PSR please click HERE (LINK - https://cadentgas.com/help-advice/supporting-our-customers/priority-services-register)

    TBC

    Please contact us using the following details:

    Telephone: 0800 151 2404

    Email: [email protected]

    We’re upgrading the ageing gas pipes to tough, durable, long-lasting plastic pipes, which are expected to last over 80 years and help reduce the likelihood of disruptive, unplanned repair work in the future.

    Just as importantly, this work ensures the network safely carries gas to heat your property, provide hot water and cook your food.

    Each job involved in upgrading the mains is carried out by a different specialist team (dig team, engineering team, reinstatement team and relighting team), one after the other.

    So don’t worry if it looks like one team has left your street — another team will be along shortly to continue the work.

    As we progress, we’ll keep you updated with information about what we've done and what we’re going to do next.

    Replacing ageing gas mains is a major engineering project planned carefully with the local authority. Where possible, we use innovative methods and technology to minimise disruption and reduce the time needed to complete the work.

    During the stakeholder process, bus companies were informed of the works taking place, the need for road closures and the diversion route that is in place.

    There may be times when no team is visible on the site itself, even during expected working hours.

    Teams may be working in surrounding roads to insert pipes, make connections, carry out testing or allow concrete to cure.

    Only once the new pipe is safely supplying gas to customers can we fill in the holes and tidy up.

    Yes. When planning work, we always seek opportunities to collaborate with other utilities to share road space and reduce disruption.

    These works have been carefully planned with Essex County Council to ensure they take place ahead of resurfacing works, further minimising impact on the community.

    Before we start work, we will send you a letter with expected dates. Please call the number on the letter to inform us of your circumstances.

    We will proceed with the pipe upgrade even if no one is home. However, we will need access to your home later to finish the work and turn your gas back on. This means you will be without gas until you return.

    You may arrange for an adult (18+) to let us in on your behalf. If no one is available, we will arrange to return at another time.

    Please wait until you receive confirmation of work starting before contacting us.

    If you are a key holder for empty properties or neighbours, please inform us once you receive the letter.

    All our teams carry identification cards. As we use specialist teams for each stage, please ask to see their ID every time they knock at your door.

    If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, do not assume it is due to our work. Always call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999*.

    All calls are recorded and may be monitored.

    Please ensure you are registered on the Priority Services Register (PSR) so we know which residents may require additional support.

    We will provide a hot plate and heater during the works and prioritise the reconnection of your gas supply.

    Wherever possible, we will place roadplates over holes so you can continue to access your driveway.

    In rare cases where roadplates cannot be used, our team will work with you to find alternative solutions to maintain access to your property.

    Cadent will restore any damage caused during the works. This includes damage to verges or grass areas caused by vehicles or excavation.

    In some cases, reinstatement of grassed areas may need to wait until Spring for suitable weather conditions.

    If you are aware of any damage, please contact us:

    Telephone: 0800 151 2404

    Email: [email protected]

    Please visit the following page for information about small business claims:

    Small business claims | Cadent

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