New gas field to secure 400 jobs

A NEW gas field off the Cumbrian coast is to come on stream in the coming weeks.

Operator Centrica Energy said the Rhyl site will produce the first new gas from Morecambe Bay for more than a decade.

The energy group, which owns British Gas, employs 400 people in Lancashire and Cumbria.

Mike Astell, regional director for the East Irish Sea, said: “Centrica Energy has seen another successful year, in particular in the East Irish Sea where we have been carrying out the first development activity in over a decade.

“With Rhyl due to come on stream in the coming weeks we are extending production from Morecambe Bay past 2020, meaning that we can secure more gas for the UK as well as 400 jobs in the local area.

“At the same time we are continuing to invest in our Barrow terminals. As we move into a new phase of operations in the East Irish Sea, we will continue to invest in people, demonstrating our commitment to local community while ensuring our business is equipped with the next generation of innovators, leaders and engineers.”