ALL properties in Locksbottom that remain without gas should be reconnected by this evening, according to Southern Gas Networks (SGN).

Fewer than 500 of the 1,650 houses affected by the gas problem are now left to reconnect.

Engineers continue to work to remove water from the network and, once gas is restored, they will visit each affected property to reconnect the supply.

The incident centre set up at St Michael's Church remains open today, where a representative from Thames Water is also on hand to assist customers who have water damage to their appliances.

The problem occurred after a water main burst on Christmas Eve, leaking into the area’s gas pipes.

This is the sixth day that some properties have had no gas.

SGN's customer service team are available on 0845 070 1431 for any queries.