Homes in Muswell Hill, Colney Hatch and Hornsey are experiencing a gas outage after water from a burst pipe flooded the local gas network. More than 100 engineers and support staff are working in the area to fix the problem.
Water flooded the local gas pipes following a burst water main on the corner of Roman Road and Sydney Road, Muswell Hill on Sunday, January 12. While the leak has now been fixed by Affinity, large amounts of water in the gas pipe network has left some homes and businesses in the area without gas, says Cadent.
Teams have been working in the area to remove all of the water from the gas mains in what has been described as ‘very big task’.
Cadent said on its website: “We must remove every drop from the outside gas mains, as well as the pipes that go into each property, gas meters, boilers and appliances. This is both for safety and to remove risk of gas going off again due to water blocking the flow.
“We first need to turn off supply at every impacted property, then remove all the water that flooded in, and only then can we safely reintroduce gas to the network. We will need to make a return visit to every property to turn supply back on and check everything is working okay.
“We promise we’ll work as fast as we safely can and maintain a big presence in the area.”
Engineers have been going door-to-door to turn off gas supplies. This work has been ongoing throughout today.
Residents are being asked not to turn off their gas supply unless advised to do so by the National Gas Emergency Service. They have also been asked to go careful not to overload the electricity network.
Engineers will be working throughout the day to begin pumping water out of the gas network. Updates from Cadent can be seen on their website.
A full list of the affected streets can also be found online. Cadent has also set up a customer centre in the area for anyone who has questions and Finchley Lido Leisure Centre has offered residents, with proof of address, use of their showering facilities.
Cadent added: “Our priority has been looking after the most vulnerable customers first and those on the Priority Services Register. If you think someone needs extra care and attention during this incident, please let us know at the customer centre we have set up at the Freehold Community Centre, 9 Alexandra Rd, London N10 2EY.”
If you smell gas, call the national gas emergency number of 0800 111 999 immediately.
Got a story? Please get in touch at katherine.gray@reachplc.com
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