Letter to Editor for consideration

Dear Editor,

A message from Wales & West Utilities – helping you to avoid costly and dangerous home disasters this summer

At Wales & West Utilities we look after the pipes in the ground that keep gas flowing safely to heat and power local homes and businesses long into the future. But with many homeowners using the bank holiday to kickstart their home improvements, we’re seeing an increase in damage to gas pipes across the area.

So, we’re reminding people to ask themselves ‘Can you DIG it’ before starting work to avoid a construction catastrophe: there’s three simple steps everyone should remember.

• D is for Dial. Digging can be dangerous and hitting a gas pipe may cause a gas leak, a fire or explosion. Phone Wales & West Utilities first on 029 2027 8912 or go to www.wwutilities.co.uk/dig.
• I is for Investigate – it’s the only way to stay safe. Make sure you get an up to date copy of our gas plans and check if we need to visit your home before you work. And if you have a gas meter, remember that your gas supply pipe will cross the ground in front of it, so be extra careful if you are digging in that area.
• G is for Go ahead – but with care. Make sure you’re careful, especially if you’re using a digger. Take all the precautions necessary to avoid damaging the gas network, yourself, others, and your bank balance. You will be billed for any costs if something goes wrong and could be prosecuted.

Underground gas pipes are getting damaged every day by people digging without knowing what’s beneath. Not only can this cause serious injury, but the costs of repair, fines and fees can be huge.

By following these simple steps, your work will go to plan and, most importantly, will keep you and your family safe. Find out more at www.wwutilities.co.uk/dig

Yours sincerely,

Andrew Kennedy

Connections Customer Manager

Wales & West Utilities