Stowmarket works to replace gas pipes in Tavern Street, Finborough Road and Recreation Road paused for town’s Christmas Fayre

A 15-week project to upgrade outdated gas pipes in a town will be temporarily paused for an upcoming festive event.

Cadent began the works on Monday, October 28, to replace the 1930s gas pipes in Tavern Street, Finborough Road and Recreation Road, Stowmarket, with modern pipes designed to last for decades.

While the project has required road closures in the town, Cadent has confirmed that the works will be temporarily halted on Sunday, November 24, for the Stowmarket Christmas Fayre.

Roads will be reinstated to ensure visitors can move freely around the town without encountering temporary traffic lights.

Eleanor Lewis, head of customer experience at Cadent, said: “While we have a responsibility to make sure every property that uses gas has access to it 24/7, 365 days a year, we also don’t want to ruin anyone’s fun – especially in the run up to Christmas.

“We’ve spoken to the council and have come up with a suitable plan which will see us change the order of our work so that people can enjoy a festive weekend without running into delays caused by our work.

“We hope that everyone has a great time at the Christmas Fayre and we will be back to complete our essential works the week after the event.”

Cadent has postponed works at the junction of Childer Road, Finborough Road, and Iliffe Way until the new year.

Following the Stowmarket Christmas Fayre weekend, the team will resume the planned replacement of 1,300m of gas pipes, progressing past the junction on Finborough Road toward Recreation Road in line with the original schedule.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of February 2025.

The Christmas event, taking place from 10am to 4pm, will play host to more than 60 traders selling festive food and mulled wine alongside a line-up of live music including carol singers, brass bands and choirs.

Cadent has also confirmed that the works will be halted over the Christmas and New Year period next month when the roads will be reinstated once again and open as normal, with no temporary traffic lights.

The work will then get back under way on Monday, January 6.