The gas network company had to cut gas supplies today (Thursday 19 March) to some 56 retirement flats and bungalows while it carried out essential gas mains renewal work.
To make sure none of the elderly residents went without a hot meal, the company rustled up a mouth-watering, free fish and chip lunch, served up fresh from a van stationed in Wratten Close.
National Grid staff ‘chipped’ in, too, delivering door-to-door hot lunches to those residents not able to get to the van. Gas supplies are set to be restored later today.
Local resident Alan Lawson said: “The dinner was very nice – I really enjoyed it.”
Commenting on the gas mains renewal work being carried out in Wratten Close by National Grid, Mr Lawson added: “The work they’ve done is really remarkable. I think they have done very well.”
Dilbir Chana, National Grid Authorising Engineer, said: “It is important that we make sure our more vulnerable customers are kept safe and warm whenever we have to temporarily disconnect gas supplies. We thought residents might appreciate a hot meal while they were waiting for supplies to be restored.”
National Grid is currently replacing gas mains in Wratten Close. The existing metal mains are being replaced with tough new plastic pipe that will last for at least 80 years if left undisturbed in the ground. Work began last Monday (16 March) and is due to take one week.
Notes to editors - archive
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