THE ageing gas network in parts of Ryedale is getting a £150,000 upgrade.

Northern gas distributor Northern Gas Networks (NGN) will be replacing the existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes at Middlecave Road in Malton and at West End and Manor Close, Kirkbymoorside.

Each project will cost about £75,000, and more than 1,200 metres of pipe will be replaced.

The Malton work began on Monday and will last approximately six weeks. The works stretch from outside Malton School down towards the junction of Mount Crescent.

Until the project is complete, all students and parents will be directed to use the school drop-off and pick-up point at the Malton Community Sports Centre entrance in Broughton Road. This will mean the school bus will also be redirected to the same point.

In Kirkbymoorside, the project will begin on Monday, October 31, and last approximately six weeks with an estimated finish date of December 9.

The first phase will begin at the junction of Tinley Garth and West End and last about four weeks. During this phase there will be three-way temporary traffic lights at the junction of Tinley Garth to outside of 85 West End, which will remain in place for one week, starting on October 31.

A road closure will also be introduced in West End from Monday, October 31, for four weeks. During this time access will be maintained for residents and deliveries. All bus routes via West End will be diverted through West Lund, A170 back to the original route in Market Place.

Works will then move to Manor Close on Monday, November 28 for two weeks until the project is complete.

Robert Hope, of NGN, said: "We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these works, and thank our customers for their patience and support in getting them completed as quickly as possible."

Engineers will be working at both sites from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 4pm, and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.