Gas restored on all properties after supply cut
Published 16 Dec 2012 09:30
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All of the 150 properties that lost gas supply in Wokingham have been reconnected. Engineers successfully restored supply to the homes, which were without gas for heating or cooking since Friday afternoon.
Properties in the Norreys Avenue area lost their gas supplies on Friday after water got into the main system. The six remaining homes without gas were restored late last night in Patten Ash Drive.
Engineers are staying in the area in case residents that were not available yesterday return to their homes. Four homes still have water in the system but their gas has been restored and engineers are working to remove the remaining water.
Crews visited homes to restore the gas and an emergency centre set up at a local school has been handing out portable heaters and hot plates.
Southern Gas Networks (SGN) started to re-connect homes on Saturday, after a damaged water main meant they had to turn off the gas supply to propertieson Friday afternoon for safety reasons. The main was repaired on Friday evening.
Denis Kerby, spokesman for SGN, said: "Everyone in the community has been so supportive and friendly, one woman who suffers from cancer had just returned from hospital and loved seeing the guys doing such hard work."
Southern Gas networks' crews visited the homes individually throughout the day, firstly turning the gas off, then pumping the water out their system, and finally turning it back on.
The company opened an emergency centre at All Saints' School, Norreys Avenue, with portable electrical appliances available for the elderly, disabled, chronically sick or have young children or other special needs. They also have portable electric appliances available for cooking and heating.
Mr Kerby said: "We have prioritised vulnerable people in the area to make sure they have electric heaters and hot plates especially during the night when it is this cold."
These can be obtained by visiting the school by calling 0845 070 1431 or contacting SGN staff on site.
The area affected covered Barrett Crescent, Patten Ash Drive, Herons Way, Long's Way, Norreys Avenue, Mylne Square and Hughes Road.
Have you been affected - did you have a cold, sleepless night? Please add your comments below.
For security reasons, SGN advises residents to always ask to see the identification card of anyone calling at your home. All its engineers carry a laminated identity card bearing the name of Southern Gas Networks. If you are in any doubt, refuse entry and seek assistance from a neighbour or relative or call the telephone number on the identification card.
If you have any concerns about gas safety, call the National Gas Emergency Number on 0800 111 999.
This article appeared in Bracknell News 15 Dec 12
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