ENGINEERS are still working to restore gas supplies to properties in Locksbottom a week after water got into the gas network from a burst water main.

Southern Gas Networks (SGN) had hoped to finish the job yesterday (January 4) and has managed to restore supplies to around 1,350 of the homes affected by the gas problem.

It says there are now fewer than 300 properties left to reconnect.

The majority of these are in Randolph Road, Farnborough Park and Grasmere Gardens.

As gas supplies have been restored SGN engineers have visited each property to reconnect the supply, complete safety checks and relight gas appliances.

If there is no-one in the property when they have called to reconnect the gas the engineers will have left a card containing SGN contact details.

The incident centre at St Michael’s Church in Crofton Road is open today where people can speak to SGN representatives about the problem.

Thames Water staff will also be at the church to help any customers who have experienced water travelling past their gas meter or water damage to their appliances.

All affected residents will be compensated for their time without gas.

After the first 24 hours they will receive £30 for each 24 hour period they are without gas, this will be paid automatically and appear as a credit on their next gas bill.

An SGN spokesman said: “We would like to thank the local community for their patience and support during this incident.

“We will be working to restore all remaining supplies as quickly as possible.

“If you have any queries, or require any further assistance at all, please contact our 24-hour customer service team on 08450 701431.”