Gas returns to most homes in East Barnet (From Times Series)

Gas returns to most homes in East Barnet

10:16am Sunday 3rd January 2010 in

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MOST homes without gas in East Barnet have now had their supply reconnected.

The residents have had gas problems since December 20, when water from a burst water main gushed into gas pipes in York Road, flooding a wide area of the town.

Residents of at least one street also lost electricity after fan heaters given out by National Grid overloaded the system.

Harry Buchanan, National Grid head of emergency for gas distribution, said: “We have dealt with all properties needing reconnection, except for those to which we haven’t been able to obtain access and a small number of properties affected by fluctuating gas pressures, caused by residual water in the system.

“Gas is flowing throughout the network. We will continue to carry out contingency maintenance works to reconnect people returning from holiday and remove remaining pockets of water from the system.

“Engineers from National Grid and Veolia Water will be on hand over the weekend to respond to calls.

“Once again I would like to thank residents for their patience and support in what has been a very difficult time."

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

A mobile incident vehicle, which has been on site at St Mary’s Church of England School, in Little Grove, for the past two weeks, closed on Thursday.

National Grid has written to residents giving information about compensation for loss of gas supplies. It will be writing again shortly to confirm specific details about payments.

For more information or to enquire about compensation call 0845 605 6677, quoting reference "East Barnet incident".

To speak to staff in Barnet call 07810 470890 or 07768 953923.