Commitment to update gas network after leaks

Deputy Monty Tadier said updating the system was a "matter of life and death"

Jersey's chief minister has emphasised the government's commitment to work with the island's gas company as it renews and updates its system.

In the latest incidents, about 50 homes were evacuated in Jersey in December after reports of a gas leak and in January a mains gas leak led to the evacuation of properties in St Helier.

Farnham said there was an "accelerated program of expenditure and renewal of the gas infrastructure".

Island Energy has been approached for comment.

'Life and death'

He also said the government was updating legislation to provide more power and authority to enforce quicker actions.

Deputy Monty Tadier said updating the system was a "matter of life and death".

"It is about people feeling safe in their own homes," he said.

He called for an "urgent" independent inspection of the gas infrastructure in Jersey.

Farnham said the government had been "working closely with the Health and Safety Inspectorate, who are independent, reviewing it independently, and we'll have further discussions on whether we need an independent review of the gas network".