Supplies return to gas-loss town

The first group of residents in a Northumberland town, who have been without gas for 48-hours, have had supplies reconnected.

About 250 of the more than 1,000 homes that lost supplies on Monday were reconnected in the early hours of Wednesday by engineers.

Added problems of electricity outages in the town have been resolved.

Northern Gas Networks said it was hoped the remainder of residents would get supplies back soon.

The company blamed floodwater getting into a gas main for the problem.

Around 1,000 plug-in heaters were given to affected households, but electricity supplies also went off on Tuesday, leaving 2,300 homes affected, CE Electric confirmed.

Technical difficulties

A joint statement from Northern Gas Networks and CE Electric said: "CE Electric have been successful in connecting all properties in Rothbury back to main electrical supplies.

"Information is that the supply is now stable and reliable as they have now fixed a physical failure.

"Northern Gas Networks have been successful in connecting 264 properties in the town back to gas mains supply, however ongoing technical difficulties have meant no more properties will be connected until later on Wednesday morning at the earliest.

"Advice is for no-one to attempt to turn on any gas appliances unless specifically directed by a gas company engineer."

A welfare centre remains open at Dr Thomlinson Middle School in Silverton Road where people can go to get warm and receive hot refreshments.