November 17, 9.00am

Around 450 properties have been reconnected to gas supplies as 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.

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

Teams on site have removed a significant volume of water from the gas mains and continue to do with the support of additional resources.

John Richardson, customer operations area manager, Northern Gas Networks, said: “Our priority is to reconnect affected properties to the gas supply as quickly as possible.  We have additional resources on site to help with the process.

“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.”

Pat Glass, MP (North West Durham) said: “I am deeply impressed at the way in which Northern Gas Networks has responded to this situation.  The organisation, personnel and swift responses has averted a problem becoming a crisis.”

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.