Cadent Gas have been providing a number of updates since a number of properties in the Hampton Bishop and surrounding areas lost gas supply on Tuesday.
Work has been ongoing throughout Tuesday and Wednesday to solve the problem, with Cadent now able to update with more detail.
A spokesperson for Cadent Gas said:
“After assessments through today and detailed planning, we are now ready to start what will be a long process to bring gas safely back into the local network. What this doesn’t mean though is that we are ready to restore gas into your home. It’s also likely that, for many of you, your gas won’t be back on today and we’re sorry about this news.
“We now have several kilometres of gas distribution pipes to ‘purge’. This includes venting a small amount of gas into the atmosphere. Please don’t worry – this is safe, and we will monitor it constantly. There may be a smell of gas in the air. If you have any concerns, always call the national gas emergency line on 0800 111 999.
“This process is likely to take several hours. After further tests, we then hope to start reintroducing gas to the local network. We will update you later whether this means we can start to switch supply back on at some of the impacted properties.
“Please DO NOT attempt to turn your own supply back on. It is very important that this is done by one of our engineers. We have lots of our engineers in the area right now, ready to start once we are satisfied there is a safe, reliable supply.
“We will need access to your property again, even if your meter and control valve is outside. This is because, as well as turning your supply back on, our engineers will look at your boiler, appliances, and everything gas-related – to make sure everything is working as it should be, and safely. If you can arrange to be in, that would be great – but if not, that’s fine too. We will remain in the area for as long as this takes, making several visits to catch you when you are in.
“We also must stress that we will restore supply in a phased way. We want to say this now to avoid you being frustrated if you hear that neighbours have had their gas restored, but you haven’t. We are working through a plan now that should show the order in which we’re planning to return your gas supply back to normal.
“That’s a lot of information to digest, but we hope it’s helpful.
“We now have two food units offering free hot meals until 8.30pm tonight for anyone impacted by this. One is at Hampton Bishop Village Hall, the other in the car park of The Green Man, in Fownhope. Huge thanks to both venues for supporting this.
“Our customer representatives remain on site at Hampton Bishop Village Hall this evening and back tomorrow, to answer any questions you may have or otherwise help. While you can also contact them direct on 0800 072 0035, we would advise visiting in person if you can, as the line is busy.
“Thank you again for your patience and understanding.”
