November 18, 9.00am

Engineers from Northern Gas Networks (NGN) have reconnected gas supplies to around 650 properties and engineers continue to remove water from the gas mains and make repairs.

The incident affecting over 750 properties occurred in the Delves Lane and Castle Dene areas of Consett, County Durham, when water from a damaged water main entered the gas mains.

Engineers continue to work systematically to reconnect affected properties and this process is ongoing.

John Richardson, customer operations area manager, Northern Gas Networks, said: “We have now reconnected nearly 90 per cent of the affected properties to the gas supply and we’re working hard to get the remaining homes back on gas as quickly as possible.

“We would like to thank residents for their continued patience and cooperation during this process.  We are doing everything we can to ensure people have access to heating, hot water and food while repairs are being carried out.”

H Cook, age 25, Greencroft Road resident, said: “The team at Northern Gas Networks are doing a fantastic job keeping everyone up to date about what is happening in Consett.

“The situation is unfortunate but it can’t be helped and they are doing everything they can to support local people while they are without gas.  Small things like food vouchers, heaters and hot plates are helping to make sure that people are as comfortable as possible while engineers work to get everyone back on gas.”

Electric hot plates and heaters are available for residents at the Village Hall on Delves Lane (DH8 7BH) and oil heaters are available for elderly and vulnerable customers.

Free hot food is available from a catering van outside the Village Hall and also from the Golden Fish Inn on Delves Lane. Food vouchers can be collected from the Village Hall.

Complimentary showering facilities are available at Belle Vue Leisure Centre on Ashdale Road, Consett, DH8 6LZ tomorrow 06:30 – 21:30.

Please mention on arrival that you have been affected by the current loss of gas supply. Alternative accommodation is available for vulnerable customers.

If you are elderly, vulnerable or in need of support, or know anyone who is, please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team.

Anyone with questions is advised to speak to an engineer on site, visit the Village Hall or contact NGN’s Customer Care team on 0800 040 7766 option 5.

Anyone who smells gas should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.