Gas chiefs set for showdown talks
Gas firm SGN has finally agreed to meet with concerned locals as they plan to rip up an Ayr estate just weeks after a major explosion.
The distribution company has vowed to host ‘drop-in’ sessions where residents of Kincaidston will be able to share their concerns.
It comes after they refused to meet with the panicked community in the weeks following the devastating blast in Gorse Park on Monday, October 18.
Marion and William Ferguson remain in hospital having sustained serious injuries.
Their two children, aged 16 and 11, have been released from hospital and are being cared for by relatives.
Bosses refused a sitdown with residents despite calls from Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown who said the “fear won’t go away” unless the community has answers.
SGN announced a dramatic overhaul of the current gas pipes in the estate earlier this month with works due to start next week.
Residents had raised the alarm that old iron pipes underneath homes were “corroding” as the gas firm announced they would be replaced with plastic pipes.
The Post revealed last week that a multi-agency probe into the explosion is looking into the condition of gas pipes, alongside police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The major estate-wide works will commence on Monday with SGN offering to meet residents on three separate dates at Kincaidston Community Centre.
SGN will be at the pavilion tomorrow (Thursday) between 3-5.30pm, Friday between 12noon-6pm and Monday, November 29 between 10am-5pm.
Army veteran Robert Dunn, who is leading a campaign for change, hopes the drop-ins will be able to provide some answers.
Robert, who runs the centre and galvanised residents to demand pipe replacement and safer gas practices, told the Post: “This is the chance for the community to ask the questions they have wanted to for weeks.
“People are still very much living in fear on this estate and we want them to have the opportunity to speak to SGN.
“I myself have some questions that I hope they can answer; this will be major work taking place in our community and we hope the centre can be a hub of information.”
As well as drop-in sessions, SGN will set up a dedicated project page on its website and will drop off leaflets in the estate.
A spokesperson for SGN said: “This week, we have been finalising our plans for the project and will send out more information to all residents.
“The leaflet will include details about three customer drop-in sessions taking place ahead of the project starting.
SGN has stressed that the gas network remains safe.