Power crisis: "Grim Christmas" for residents in East Barnet (From Times Series)

Power crisis: "Grim Christmas" for residents in East Barnet

10:31am Friday 25th December 2009 in

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AROUND 150 households in East Barnet are still without gas this morning with National Grid promising to work throughout today and the rest of the festive season to fix the problem.

National Grid has drafted 80 engineers from across the country to help with the restoration effort.

Barnet Council has been assessing what support is needed by vulnerable people on a case by case basis, including alternative accommodation where necessary.

Abdul Nabi, from Calton Road, got in contact with the Times Series yesterday evening.

He said: “It's 8.40pm Christmas Eve and still no gas. We have had a few visits from engineers today [Christmas Eve] but they don't seem to know what the problem is.

“They have changed our meter but the gas pressure is still too low. Nobody has been in touch since 4pm. To be fair the engineers are very polite and it is not easy for them either.

“At least it is not as cold as it was before but we have no idea of when we will get our supply back. It's going to be a grim Christmas.”

The National Grid is also offering residents compensation.

For more information call 0845 605 6677 or to speak to staff on the ground 07810 470890 or 07768 953923.

Alternatively visit the gas-cut control centre in St Mary's School in Little Grove.

People are being advised that it is not safe to try to turn their own gas supply back on.

Are you spending Christmas in East Barnet without gas? How are you coping?

Contact duty reporter Suruchi Sharma on ssharma@london.newsquest.co.uk or leave a comment in the box below.