Approximately 100 properties are without gas in Carlisle, after water found its way into the local gas network this morning (April 9).

Affected streets include Valley Drive, Moorside Drive, Leywell Drive and Hunstsman Lane.

Engineers from Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the North of England’s gas distributor, are on site. Customer Care Officers are also working in the neighbourhood, to identify any vulnerable customers and offering electric heaters and hotplates for cooking.

The cause of the water ingress is currently being investigated.

Richie Manuel, Business Operations Lead for Northern Gas Networks said: “Our apologies to our customers in Carlisle who have been inconvenienced by loss of their gas supply this morning.

“As there is water in the local gas network, we have had switch off supplies to local homes, for safety reasons.

“Our job now is to identify where the water has got in, and to pump out all traces of water, so that we can safely restore gas supplies. This can often be a time-consuming process, but our engineers are on site and working hard.

“Our customer care team are also going door-to-door, to identify any vulnerable customers, and offer any necessary support.”

Due to the current Covid-19 health crisis, NGN staff will be observing safe distancing guidelines, and will wear full PPE when it is necessary to enter customers’ homes.

Richie Manuel added: “Water ingress incidents such as this can be challenging at any time, but especially during the current health crisis. We will be observing all the recommended health and safety guidelines to keep customers and colleagues safe, while we work to restore supplies.”

Local residents requiring more information can contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk.

Regular updates will also be available on NGN’s website northerngasnetworks.co.uk, Twitter @NGNgas and Facebook @northerngasnetworks.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week