A SWANSEA Valley road is set to close again for a further 20 weeks as vital safety work is carried out on a major gas pipeline.

Ynys-y-Mond Road, between Alltwen and Glais, first closed for three months last summer for essential work on the main Milford Haven to Tirley natural gas pipeline, which runs across the valley.

The pipeline is 300km long and this is the only section that has this problem.

It carries 20 per cent of the gas supply for England and Wales.

The work involves checking the safety of the pipeline, but the National Grid has insisted that there is no risk to the public.

Despite being just a B-road, the route is well used by local residents and its closure once more has caused some disgruntlement.

Ian Sarson, senior project manager for National Grid, said: "There remains a short section of pipeline running under Ynys-y-Mond Road where we need to visually inspect the pipeline coating and carry out any coating repairs necessary.

"The road will remain closed for 20 weeks.

"We will of course reopen the road sooner if this is possible. As before there will be a diversion in place for the duration of the road closure and this will be along the A4067 between Alltwen and Glais.

"I would like again to reassure people that there is no risk to the public and take this opportunity to thank them for their continued patience and understanding while we carry out this necessary work."

Councillor David Lewis, who has been invited to the site twice, said the reason for the delay was the need for good weather to carry out what was a highly technical repair job to the outer casing of the pipe.

He said: "Within the village there is a degree of inconvenience, even to me as it's a road I use all the time, but apart from one or two who have written strong letters voicing their displeasure, there is a general feeling that it's unavoidable.

"It's a case of it has got to be sorted out, so let's get on with it and reopen the road soon."

On the safety aspect, he added: "There's no danger with the pipeline, National Grid keep making that clear."

geraint.thomas@swwmedia.co.uk