What are the substation-like "gas installations" that I see in my UK town?

Question

I'd like to know by what name they are conventionally known, and what, briefly, their function is.

Each one is securely fenced off, just like an electricity distribution substation (of the "outdoors" type), and consists of a very large green cabinet, with padlocked double doors. Each has a notice affixed to it which reads "Gas Installation - Important Notice", advising of the utilities company's need to be informed of any work to be carried out within 10 metres of the site. They also have what looks like a 5-pronged aerial at the rear. There are two that I know of, in my small town of 12,000 people (though there may be others, of which I am unaware). I can find no information on the website of the relevant utilities company.

Here are photographs of the two installations.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42513145@N08/4901330784/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42513145@N08/4901330662/

The second installation was the site of a gasworks, according to a local history website - but that's all I know. 
http://stjohnstreet.thornburyroots.co.uk/Gas%20The%20Gas%20Works.htm

Harmony19 · Accepted Answer

From what I see it must be the Gas distribution panel. Gas for the household use comes in pipelines from some where far away and they have to be distributed to areas within a community. so the panel you see must be containing valves and emergency shut off valves. The technicians would have adjusted the valve position according to the communities needs earlier. The emergency valves will shut off flow when it detects a leak down stream.
Hope with this info you can better understand the photos.

What are the substation-like "gas installations" that I see in my UK town?

1 Answer