‘Community spirit’ praised in town’s loss of gas supply
THE PEOPLE of Silsden have been praised for their resilience during the recent loss of gas supply to the town.
Northern Gas Networks (NGN) and Bradford Council say their community spirit should be commended.
The supply to more than 3,500 properties in Silsden was cut off on Friday March 30 for up to four days when a building contractor damaged a gas main in the area.
A massive operation ensued, led by the North of England’s gas distribution network, Northern Gas Networks, to reconnect the supply. About 8,000 customers were affected.
St James’s Church was one of the first on hand to assist, with Rev David Griffiths allowing Northern Gas Networks to use the church hall as a customer drop-in centre.
Many local businesses also provided support, from Steeton Hall Hotel’s offer of hot showers, to a large consignment of food from Ilkley Tesco, organised by a resident who works in the store.
Bradford Council strategic director Michael Jameson said: “The community spirit we have witnessed in Silsden during the loss of gas supply has been absolutely amazing.”
Mark Horsley, chief executive at Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to thank everyone involved over this Easter weekend for their fantastic support and patience.
“Incidents like this are rare, however, when they do happen to have the support of the community that we saw in Silsden makes a huge difference.”