National Grid has today reinstated gas supplies to all homes in Caddington, near Luton. This is with the exception of a small number of properties (approximately 15) where engineers were unable to gain access as people were away for Christmas or where water has affected the gas appliances.
Engineers from across the region gave up their holidays and worked around the clock over the festive season to reconnect supplies. The supply to approximately 1300 homes was initially lost last weekend following a burst water main which resulted in water entering the local gas pipeline network. A lot of water needed to be removed from the system before National Grid could safely reinstate supplies.
The incident room at the Sports and Social Club in Manor Road, Caddington will remain open for the next couple of days as engineers work to connect the final few houses as people return after the break.
Darren Elsom, National Grid incident controller, said: “We have worked closely with Veolia and I cannot thank residents enough for their patience and support throughout the incident. We appreciate it was a challenging time but thanks to the cooperation of residents and the help of a number of organisations including Central Bedfordshire Council, the parish council, the Red Cross, St John’s Ambulance, WRVS, BHC4X4, and local volunteers from the community, things are returning to normal.
“Our engineers have worked extremely hard to visit and reconnect all supplies, and we will continue to have a presence in the village to assist people who have been away.
“If people have any further issues with their supply or if they think they can smell gas they should call 0800 111 999.”
Over the next few weeks, National Grid will be compensating households that have been without a gas supply for more than 24 hours under our Standards of Service. This is a payment of £30 for each 24 hours without gas and arrangements will be made for households to receive this compensation automatically.
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