A £440,000 seven-month long project to decommission an ageing gas main is finally set to be completed.

Cadent, which manages the North West’s gas mains network, has been replacing a large section of the 15-inch diameter cast iron main, parts of which had been operating under Blackburn Road for more than 110 years.

This has involved major engineering, with heavy machinery operating in a densely-populated, residential area, which has created long-term disruption for motorists.

Craig Horrocks, who manages Cadent’s gas main replacement programme in the North West, said: “We’ve really appreciated everyone’s patience and understanding while we’ve carried out this work to replace 1,400 metres of underground pipe.

"With projects on a scale like this, there will always be challenges – expected ones and unexpected ones.

"We know it has been disruptive and we hope people understand the work is essential to maintain a long-term, safe gas supply.

“We are grateful to residents, businesses, road users and Bolton Council for supporting us over the last seven months.

“This also means the end of frequent, equally-disruptive visits to carry out repairs on what was a very old gas main.

"The new pipe ends all of that – and ensures we can deliver ever-greener gas to help heat homes in the local area.”