National Grid plea after gas explosion

People still without gas after a mains explosion in Lancashire were urged to call the National Grid yesterday.

Fewer than 2,000 properties are not reconnected out of the 18,000 homes affected by the ruptured gas main which set alight an electricity pylon on Monday. A team of 65 engineers revisited addresses in Rossendale yesterday where they have been unable to gain access. It is thought many of those not in will be either spending Christmas elsewhere with relatives or on holiday. Families in Bacup, Waterfoot, Rawtenstall, Newchurch and Crawshawbooth feared being unable to cook their Christmas Day meal following the blast in Rawtenstall. The National Grid number is 0800 111 999.