Engineers from Northern Gas Networks are continuing work to restore gas supplies to customers in the Canal Road area of Bradford, after a burst water main caused water to enter the gas network over the weekend.

Engineers from the gas distribution company have been on site since Friday morning (28 February), and have already pumped 100,000 litres of water out of the gas pipe. They are also contending with large quantities of silt and rubble, carried by the escaped water, which are causing blockages on the gas pipe.

Thirty three domestic properties have now had supplies restored, out of 163 homes to be affected. Meanwhile, ten business premises, out of approximately 50 business properties, have had supplies restored.

Ian Waddle, Regional Manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “Our engineers are working flat out to get customers back on gas – but it is a big job.

“The gas pipe is more than two miles in length, and we’re continuing to track down water and pumping it clear. At the same time, we’re contending with large quantities of silt and other debris which have found their way into the gas pipe and are causing blockages. We are using specialist camera technology to locate this debris so that we can clear it from the pipe.

“I can assure customers that our engineering teams are doing everything to get this situation resolved and get everyone affected back on gas as quickly as possible. The safety of our customers is our first priority and we won’t be leaving until the job’s done.”

Northern Gas Networks has handed out electric heaters and portable cookers to those customers who need them as well as generators to help provide heat to businesses. Customer care representatives from the gas company have also been on hand, to make sure vulnerable customers are being looked after. A customer cabin will open at the Canal Road site from 8am tomorrow. Customers will be able to drop in and get the latest information.

Ian Waddle, added: said: “If anyone in the area has questions or concerns, or would like extra heaters or cooking facilities, please give our Customer Care team a ring, and we’ll get right on it.”

Northern Gas Networks Customer Care Team can be contacted on 0845 634 0508 (option 7).

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