National Grid is now very close to reconnecting gas supplies to all remaining homes in East Barnet. However, residual water in the gas system is continuing to cause some problems and National Grid engineers will continue to work alongside Veolia Water to resolve issues as they occur.

National Grid Incident Controller David Luetchford said

“Our engineers have been working round the clock to resolve what has been a very difficult situation and we would like to thank the people of East Barnet for their patience during this last week.  At the moment there are less than 100 homes without gas – this compares to well over 1,000 at the peak of the incident caused by a burst water main - and our engineers are working on these. Around a further 100 properties have been unoccupied throughout the incident and we will deal with these as people return.

“During the last 48 hours we’ve been able to make significant headway in reconnecting properties and expect that to continue.  However we will also have engineers ready to deal with sporadic instances where pockets of water moving around the system may affect supplies to some properties.

“Today, National Grid’s will transfer operations from St Mary’s Church of England School in Littlegrove to its nearby Barnet depot.  Meantime a mobile incident unit will remain at the school to deal with customers needs as they arise.   I would like to reassure people that our engineers will be on the ground with the necessary resources.”

“I would like to thank head teacher Mel Adams and all her staff for allowing us to use the school during the holiday period. We will make sure the school is back to normal and ready to open for the new term. I would also like to thank the London Borough of Barnet council for their fantastic support throughout.”

Since the incident occurred last weekend, engineers have visited more than 3,000 homes and more than 1,000 properties have been reconnected.

For more information please call 0845 605 6677 or to speak to staff in Barnet 07810 470890 or 07768 953923.

David Luetchford also said,

“Safety continues to be our top priority and people must not try to turn their own gas supply back on. An engineer will call to reconnect the supply safely when it is safe to do so.”

National Grid has written to residents giving information about compensation for loss of gas supplies which will be provided under the company’s Standards of Service. There will also be additional payments for those residents we were unable to call to connect on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

ENDS

If you are a local resident and have any enquiries about the loss of gas supply in East Barnet, please call 0845 605 6677.

If you smell gas please ring the National Gas Emergency service on 0800 111 999.

For Media enquiries, please call 01926 656536