EMERGENCY work to identify the source of a gas leak in Ramsbottom is about to get under way and is likely to lead to traffic disruption in the town.

Local gas network Cadent has recently been called to investigate after reports of smells of gas inside properties close to Ramsbottom Lane.

Its teams have made sure everything and everyone is safe, creating vent holes for the gas to escape into the atmosphere.

But it needs to get access to the big main that runs underneath Ramsbottom Lane to find where this gas is coming from and to fix it.

Starting on Monday, October 26, after the morning peak traffic hours, Cadent teams will set up a work area near the junction with Bridge Street, Carr Street and Bolton Street.

These roads remain open in all directions, with traffic lights controlling the flow of vehicles around the work area.

There will be no access from Ramsbottom Lane to Market Place, and vice versa. A short diversion will be signposted here.

Cadent is aiming to complete the work within the half-term school holiday, having deliberately held off until then to minimise disruption.

It will know more about the timeframe once it has identified where the gas is coming from and the nature of the repair needed.

A Cadent spokesman said: “Our absolute priority here is keeping everyone safe.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience while we get this essential work done.”

• If anyone smells gas, call the national gas emergency service on 0800 111 999 immediately. Do not hold off calling and do not dismiss the smell as related to this work – it may not be and needs to be checked. Calls to this number are recorded and may be monitored.