TEMPORARY traffic lights are back up on the A65 Skipton Road in Ilkley, despite assurances last week that they would not be needed for the remainder of a ten week project to replace gas mains beneath the road.

Northern Gas Networks, which confirmed on Friday (May 23) that the lights had gone for good, says the ten-week project is continuing to progress well.

Starting at the weekend, access to Westville Road from Skipton Road was suspended for about seven days in order to complete the scheme as quickly and safely as possible, says the company.

Access will be maintained via Kings Road and Kingsway Drive.

Ageing metal gas mains are being replaced with modern plastic pipes.

Northern Gas Networks says another 200 metres of gas mains were replaced in the last week

Dean Woolley, Network Officer for Northern Gas Networks, said:  “We're making good progress with this essential gas mains replacement project and we'd like to thank our customers in Ilkley for their patience as we look to complete the work as quickly and as safely as possible.”

He added: ““Our customers are extremely important to us and we’re continuing to listen to feedback from the community. If anyone would like to speak to the team they can contact us on (0800) 0407766 or email customercare@northerngas.co.uk.  We’d like to thank everyone for bearing with us while we carry out these essential works.”