Homes remain without gas for fifth day running

Homes in Herne Bay remain without gas for a fifth day due to pipe damage

Some homes in Kent remain without gas for a fifth day following pipe damage.

Gas supplier SGN said a total of 1,750 properties in Herne Bay were affected by damage caused by a third party on Saturday.

On Wednesday, the company said the pipe had been fixed, the majority of homes' supplies had been restored, and all impacted properties had been visited.

"However, some properties are still without gas because we were unable to gain access when we visited," an SGN spokesperson said.

Early on Wednesday, the company said 182 properties remained affected.

"Our engineers remained on site late last night to turn on gas supplies," the spokesperson added.

"We'd urge anyone still off supply to phone or visit us at our customer centre as we have engineers available immediately to restore their supply."

The firm has set up a customer centre at St Peter's Church for vulnerable customers, where customers can pick up heaters and hot plates, which will remain open until 21:00 GMT.

Herne Bay resident Matt Barnard said he had not had gas since Saturday

On Tuesday, Herne Bay resident Matt Barnard said the situation was "disastrous" for those in need.

"There are fragile people. There are old people. There are people with children who need to wash nappies," he said.

"Nobody can do any of those things."

SGN also urged residents not to attempt to restore their own gas supplies and wait for engineers.

Anyone without gas for more than 24 hours would receive compensation as credit on their next bill, SGN added.

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