Tuesday 23 December
21.15

National Grid has begun work to reconnect gas supplies to 18,000 homes and businesses in Bacup, Waterfoot, Rawtenstall, Newchurch and Crawshawbooth, in the Rossendale area of Lancashire and will be working throughout the night to reconnect as many homes and businesses as possible in each of the affected areas.

Safety remains National Grid’s top priority and it is necessary to reconnect the gas supply in a safe and systematic matter.

Our engineers will require access to homes and businesses in order to restore the gas supply and relight the appliances safely. Householders must not attempt to switch their gas supply on before an engineer has visited their property.
 
In the meantime people without gas should check all gas appliances are turned off and their gas supply is turned off at the meter. 
 
Please remember to ask for identification when an engineer requests access to your property. If you have any doubt to the authenticity of the engineers, please call 0845 605 6677.
 
Director of Operations Jon Butterworth said “We apologise for the inconvenience this incident has caused to local people and thank them for their patience and cooperation”.

 If anyone requires help or has any concerns please call the national gas emergency service on 0800 111 999.

Further media enquiries to 01926 656536.