MORE than 450 households in north Durham remain without gas after water flooded the system when a pipe burst last week.

Northern Gas Networks said 329 properties have been reconnected to gas supplies as engineers continued to remove water from the gas mains and make repairs over the weekend.

The burst water main last Thursday affected around 780 in the Delves Lane and Castle Dene areas of Consett, leaving hundreds of families without heating, hot water and cooking facilities.

John Richardson, customer operations area manager of Northern Gas Networks, said: “As our engineers get closer to the area where the water entered the gas mains the damage is greater and the repairs more complex.

“We are working tirelessly to resolve these issues and have additional resources on site to help with the process of reconnecting affected properties as quickly as possible.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure people have access to heating, hot water and food while repairs are being carried out.”

Electric hot plates and heaters are available for residents at the village hall in Delves Lane and oil heaters are available for elderly and vulnerable people.

Free hot food is available from a catering van outside the village hall and also from the Golden Fish Inn on Delves Lane with vouchers available from the village hall.

Complimentary shower facilities are also available at Belle Vue Leisure Centre on Ashdale Road and alternative accommodation is available for vulnerable customers.

Anyone with questions is advised to speak to an engineer on site, visit the village hall or contact NGN’s customer care team on 0800-040-7766 option 5. Anyone who smells gas should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800-111-999.