Ageing water mains and gas pipes in Muswell Hill will be replaced at the same time over nine weeks from the end of August, to minimise disruption to residents.

St James Lane in Muswell Hill will be closed from Monday 31 August while National Grid install tough new gas pipes, and Thames Water replace the water mains.

Residents will have access and there will be traffic management and a signed diversion in place.

For maximum efficiency, National Grid have carried out detailed surveys to determine the precise locations of existing pipes and will try to insert the new pipes into old mains to minimise digging.

National Grid Area Manager Pat Nathan said: “Carrying out our work at the same time as Thames Water means that local roads won’t need to be dug up twice.

“Our work will help ensure people in the area keep on enjoying safe and reliable gas supplies for cooking and heating.”

Thames Water Project Manager Neil Hancock added: “The work we’re doing to replace the old worn out pipes will reduce the risk of leaks and bursts so will help save water and minimise future disruption in the area.”

Home-owners will be notified in advance if engineers need to access their properties to replace gas pipes, but should ask for official identification from anyone trying to gain access to their property.

For further information on the gas mains replacement work and to verify the identity of National Grid engineers, call 0800 096 5678.