Total mayhem

Scottish Gas Networks has announced it plans to spend £90,000 replacing the ageing metal gas mains and services in and around Bank Street with modern plastic polyethylene pipe - amid fears the existing network is no longer safe.

The works, which include eight weeks of road closures, are due to begin on January 5 and take more than four months to complete.

However, plans to upgrade the pipes under Cornmill Square just months after it tens of thousands of pounds were spent on giving it a makeover have been postponed.

The work, which has been ordered by the Health and Safety Executive, is being split into three phases in an effort to minimise disruption.

But compensation is being offered to local businesses who have already suffered from the ongoing construction of the Borders Railway and the town’s Inner Relief Road.

SGN Construction Manager Stuart Pender said: “Our work is being carried out in close collaboration with Scottish Borders Council and we will be doing everything we can to minimise disruption and complete our works as quickly as possible.

“We will be replacing the existing metal gas mains with modern plastic polyethylene pipe which has a minimum lifespan of around 80 years and will ensure a safe and reliable gas supply for the local community.

“We understand that roadworks can be frustrating and we’re very sorry for any inconvenience caused. We would like to thank everyone for their patience while we carry out our essential works.” Galashiels Community Council was told the works would have “a major impact on the town centre”. However, access for pedestrians will be maintained at all times.

Phase One, which will centre on Bank Street Brae, between Bank Street and Gala Park, is expected to take approximately three weeks. Traffic will be allowed to pass but, with the Burgh School nearby, queues are expected at dropping off and picking time.

Bank Street will be closed between the junctions with Bank Street Brae and Sime Place for eight weeks during Phase Two. A local diversion will be in place via Albert Place, Braw Lads’ Brae, George Craig Bridge, Currie Road, Ladhope Vale and Bridge Place.

And Phase Three, which will centre on Bank Street between the juncitons with Bank Street Brae and St John Street, will last for a further six weeks.

The meeting heard the old pipes had reached end of their life and posed a risk of a gas leak.

However, while new parking restrictions will be put in place, without any traffic wardens, concerns have been raised they will be difficult to enforce.

Addressing community councillors, Mr Pender said: “We realise it will have a major impact on the town centre but we’re duty bound to do the work.

“January is probably the quietest time of the year and where possible we will use a modern 'insertion’ technique which will cause less upheaval and less mayhem. This involves using the existing gas main as a 'sleeve’ to minimise the number of excavations required.

“All businesses will be open as usual. Assistance will be given to maintain deliveries to businesses. We are mindful that we will be working in an extremely busy part of Galashiels and will do everything we can to complete our works as quickly as possible.” The work will be carried out during week days, Monday to Friday, from 8am to 4.15pm, duringb Phase One and Phase Three. But during Phase Two the work will continue seven days a week.

Scottish Gas Networks revealed it plans to open pop up shop at 45 Bank Street, Galashiels, to keep local businesses up to date with progress - and how to apply for compensation.

Bus diversion routes during the works are currently being finalised and will be publicised in the coming weeks.

Mr Pender said: “We have a compensation scheme in place for small businesses which suffer genuine loss of trade due to our works. Details of this scheme and how to apply are on our website www.sgn.co.uk During our works we will have a base in the vicinity and at allocated times will have a member of our Finance team available to help with questions about our compensation scheme.” With three mile tailbacks already a regular feature of rush hour traffic in Galashiels, fears were voiced that the gas works would have been a “disaster” for the town had Ladhope Vale not reopened to two-way traffic on Friday.

Community councillor Tom Ingoldsby said: “It will be a nuisance but it has to be done.” Councillor Bill Herd agreed. He added: “People are going to be disenchanted, especially shopkeepers, but the company is bending over backwards to accommodate them.” What do you think? Views on our Facebook page have been mixed...

Lisa Rae said: “Great so we are all gonna go along Scott street to avoid town centre, very handy with the bypass one way. What are they thinking? Bad enough just now with the tailbacks!” Kirsty Mcpherson said: “Will it ever stop???” Sandy Armstrong said: “Brilliant, digging up the roads during the worst time for the weather and the cold. Just to have to dig and resurface afterwords because of cracks in the roads. These big head honchos really don’t think their strategies through.” Bill Jeffrey said: “There’s never a good time to do any roadworks. But if they can compensate the shops, the beginning of the year is probably best. Everyone will be recovering their finances after Christmas, New Year and the Sales. By the time they are done we should be getting into the better weather and people will be getting out and about.

Leslie Wright said: “The more road works in Gala will eventually convince people the £353m of hard earned tax payers money for a railway is money well spent.” Andy Fox said: “Problem here is that these roadworks are taking drivers out of their comfort zones. Sit in Costa and watch the traffic at the Tesco roundabout with traffic lights on two exits. Causes mayhem. That’s bad planning. What the town needs is a huge sink hole to open up and start again.” Graham Gray said: “They should be forced to get a full squad in dig the trench the full length in one go and get the pipe in and covered up this work could then be done in about eight weeks, They need to work 24/7.”