SHIVERING residents and disrupted businesses displayed their Dunkirk spirit as Kirkby Lonsdale twice lost its gas supply amid sub-zero temperatures.

Around 710 customers were without gas from early Sunday morning, and teams of engineers were sent out immediately by Transco to try to repair the fault.

Most people had their gas supply restored that night, but at 4.30pm on Monday the gas went off again, and some properties were still without gas the next day.

However, the chilly episode brought out the ingenious streak across town, during a very cold spell. The Met Office said at times temperatures struggled to get above freezing.

The 17 residents of Brant Howe Residential Home clustered into one lounge, where electric heaters, regular hot drinks and extra blankets offered some warmth in the absence of gas central heating.

Proprietor Paul Jackson said temperatures had dipped as low as minus seven early on sunday morning. With the gas hobs off, cooking Sunday lunch with a single electric hot plate and hot cupboard was "a nightmare". But residents tucked into roast chicken, apple sauce, parsnips, peas, carrot, turnip, boiled and roast potatoes, followed by strawberry gateau; and their tea menu was changed to a buffet.

With the home feeling cold, residents were encouraged to stay in the communal area until bedtime, and the gas supply was restored around 10.30pm. Mr Jackson said nobody had suffered any ill effects.

At Abbeyfield Society home The Gables, deputy housekeeper Sue Johnston praised the kindness of builder Duncan Hamlett who "rallied round" with electric heaters to help keep the 12 residents warm. An electric oven, fryer and microwave kept the residents supplied with meals, and the gas came back on around 8pm.

Avanti bar and restaurant felt chilly without its gas-powered under-floor heating and, after serving customers a limited menu, staff were sent home at around 3.30pm. Manager Andrew Wilkinson estimated the business would have lost around £1,500 in takings.

At the Courtyard Restaurant, customers could only be offered pizzas, and the gas was restored around 9pm. "On one of the coldest days of the year, the gas goes off it was a bit of a drama," said manager Darren Jones.

Head chef Scott Sutton estimated the Royal Hotel had lost "a fair bit of revenue" from having to serve a limited menu to diners.

At The Orange Tree hotel and restaurant it was so cold on Monday night that owner Richard Taylor said they decided to light the little-used fire in the bar. Unfortunately some nesting jackdaws had left behind some flammable material in the chimney that went up in flames. The fire brigade was called and the hotel was left with smoke and fire damage. Mr Taylor said he had also lost accommodation and restaurant business.

Jeanette Jackson, spokeperson for Transco, which looks after the gas pipeline system, said there had been a problem with a piece of equipment called a governor, which reduces gas pressure in towns and villages.

Around 710 customers were without gas from approximately 6.30am on Sunday, and teams of engineers were "immediately drafted in". Every home had to be visited for the gas to be turned off at the meter, before engineers could restore gas to the system. By 6pm there was gas back in the pipes, then every home had to be visited again for the gas to be turned back on, and appliances and pilot lights checked.

By 11pm most properties had their supply restored, apart from around 100 where residents were not at home. Engineers paid more visits, and cards were left so absent householders could contact Transco on their return.

On monday, the governor, which was being monitored, failed again, although it has since been replaced. By Wednesday morning all the properties had been visited again, and all but 54 premises, where householders were not home, were reconnected.

Transco said it apologised for the inconvenience, and was investigating the cause of the problem. Compensation for householders was normally only available when the gas was off for 24 hours. However, because the gas had gone off twice, any domestic or business customers who felt they had a case for compensation were invited to write to Transco, who would assess each case individually.

The address is: The Customer Manager, Transco, Spa Road, Bolton BL1 4SR.

Kirkby Lonsdale parish council chairman Coun Alan Day praised Transco's response, and said the council had provided the town's Institute for the company to set up a headquarters.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Collins has written to Transco to ensure the incident is not repeated.

January 10, 2003 10:00