Engineers begin reconnecting gas to households in Eye after broken pipe fixed

Engineers from suppilers Cadent working to disconnect gas suppilies in Eye following damage to a pipe. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

Hundreds of households are having their gas supplies reconnected after a major operation repaired a broken mains pipe that left families experiencing a chilly night without heating.

About 1,100 homes and 200 businesses in Eye were left without gas after damage was caused to a high pressure mains pipe on the industrial estate at Eye Airfield.

Engineers from local gas suppliers Cadent worked through the night to complete a complex repair operation following the damage which was caused by a third party.

Kirsty Smith, who has a 10-month-old daughter, with an emergency heater after the disconnection of gas suppilies in Eye caused by damage to a pipe. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

Additional staff from around the country have been drafted in and the complex repair to the high pressure gas main – which included cutting out a section of the pipe.

Cadent engineers have now begun turning gas supplies back. The first properties will have their gas supplies turned back on later this afternoon and residents are encouraged to stay in or arrange for someone to provide access to enable this to be done.

With over 800 properties to visit across the town it is expected that it will take the remainder of the day and until late this evening to visit them all, so people are asked to remain patient.

Gas supply workers from Cadent loading up with emergency heaters to take to vulnerable people after the disconnection of gas suppilies in Eye caused by damage to a pipe. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

A Cadent spokesman said its engineers carry ID badges and people should inspect these before allowing anyone into their property.

The loss of gas has left thousands without heating, hot water or in some cases the ability to cook. It has meant many being force to make alternative arrangements.

Sharon Teague, of Castle Street, Eye, drove a 19-mile round trip to her mother's house in Rickinghall for a shower. She said: 'It's not ideal. But we managed. Keeping warm by wearing lots of layers and drinking lots of tea. People have been very kind and very positive.'

Meanwhile a customer centre was set up at Eye Community Centre, on Magdalen Street, where people can get information and advice. The company has also been given out electric blankets, temporary heaters and cooking hobs to vulnerable people and those with young children. With hundreds of homes switching to electricity the company had warned people not to overload the system whilst gas supplies are restored.