Thousands of homes affected by major gas outage
A number of homes in the OX20 postcode are without gas
- Published
Thousands of people in Oxfordshire have been left without gas after a major outage.
About 2,180 properties in Woodstock were affected, according to Southern Gas Networks (SGN), external.
The issue, described by the company as an "unplanned interruption", began at about 18:00 BST on Tuesday.
In a statement SGN said their teams made "excellent progress" on Wednesday and had visited all affected properties.
One resident said there were SGN vans "on every corner" in his neighbourhood
It said shower facilities were now available at the following locations for customers at Bartholomew Sports Centre, Windrush Leisure Centre and Kidlington and Gosford Leisure Centre.
A spokesperson said: "We’d like to thank all Woodstock residents for your support and patience while we respond to this emergency."
In a statement on Tuesday evening, SGN said: "We're assessing the damage to our network and carrying out repairs in Langford Lane.
"Temporary two-way traffic lights are in operation for everyone's safety around the site."
The issue has affected some businesses in the town
Engineers had been drafted in from across the region to visit individual properties and turn gas off at the meter, for safety reasons.
Once all affected homes had been inspected, SGN said the supply would be reintroduced to the network.
"We'll then need to revisit everyone to turn the gas back on and carry out safety checks," a spokesman added.
Those affected are being invited to visit Woodstock Community Hall for help
Mevlan Karaj, owner of Brothertons Brasserie, said it was causing major problems.
"All our ovens are gas, we've only got the pizza oven on which is not even 10% of the business.
"It's going to be really, really bad... we're talking about losing thousands and thousands of pounds," he said.
SGN has set up a customer centre at Woodstock Community Hall to answer questions from residents.
Portable and electric appliances for cooking and heating are available for people who are elderly, disabled, chronically sick or have young children.
The company is expected to issue an update at 19:00.
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