Gas supplies to around 500 properties in Northwood have been affected after water entered the local gas mains.

The water is believed to have come from a burst water main which in turn, damaged a nearby gas pipe. National Grid was alerted to the incident early this morning and we have engineers on site dealing with the incident.

The damaged gas main has been located and repaired and we are in the process of pumping the water out of the gas system.

For safety reasons, it will be necessary to make sure that the gas supplies to all homes and businesses are turned off at the meter.  In order to do this an engineer will need to visit to check the gas meter is turned off.  Once the gas is back in the mains, a second visit will be made to turn on the supply to each property and make sure it is flowing safely. 

It is important that people ask to see official identification from anyone trying to get into their property. For more information on verifying the identity of National Grid engineers please call 0845 605 6677.

It is vital people do not try and use their gas supply while we are dealing with this emergency.

Incident Controller Tony Day said: “I would like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation. We will do all we can to restore supplies as quickly as possible.”

At present it is too early to say when gas supplies will be restored.

National Grid has set up a mobile command unit in Copse Wood Way which you can visit and get an update on progress. Alternatively call the National Enquiry Line on 0845 605 6677 or visit www.nationalgrid.com/incidents

If you smell gas or have lost your gas supply please ring the National Gas Emergency service on 0800 111 999.

For enquiries about your water supply please contact Veolia Water on 0845 782 3333.