Cadent Gas works to restore supply after burst main floods pipes and cuts gas to hundreds of homes in Sawbridgeworth
A burst water main led to the flooding of gas pipes and meant hundreds of homes in Sawbridgeworth were without gas for up to three days.
Cadent Gas engineers worked to restore supply to homes in The Crest, Burnside, Brook End, High Tree Close and Dale Court after the incident on Friday night.
A message from Cadent to householders on Saturday afternoon read: “For the past 24 hours, engineers have been working tirelessly to find the cause of the water leak, fix the issue and pump the water out of our pipes.
“This work is continuing into this afternoon, and this means we are unable to reconnect gas supplies until we have got rid of all of the water.
“We know how frustrating this is for you and we want to assure you that we are doing all that we can to resolve this as quickly, but also as safely, as possible.”
The message added: “Once we have got the water out of our pipes, we will be able to start reconnecting your gas supply, as we are hoping to begin this process as soon as possible.”
Residents reported a strong smell of gas in the area.
The work by Cadent meant temporary three-way traffic signals were installed at the junction of the A1184 London Road and Burnside.
On Monday, Eleanor Lewis, head of customer experience for Cadent in the East of England, told the Indie: “I am really pleased to say that gas has been restored to most properties in Sawbridgeworth following the burst water main that flooded part of our gas network on Friday August 30.
“If residents were in, we have been able to turn their gas back on, and those that weren’t have been left cards so we can arrange a visit for their gas to be restored.
“It has been a tremendous effort from our engineers across the East of England, coming to Sawbridgeworth to pump water out of the network of pipes, homes, and appliances, and restore gas to the affected properties.”
Ms Lewis added: “I would like to thank everyone in Sawbridgeworth who was affected for their continued understanding and patience over the weekend. Your kindness to our engineers has been very touching and greatly appreciated. Thank you.”
The disruption caused by the temporary signals installed for the work by Cadent was compounded by the closure of West Road on Sunday for resurfacing work.
The Hertfordshire County Council member for Sawbridgeworth and town and district councillor Eric Buckmaster expressed his frustration at the road being closed but no apparent work being carried out.
He said on Monday he was told the work would start later that day.