UPDATED: Fence post causes thousands of properties to be cut off from gas supply

Gas line that was damaged by a fence post has now been repaired.

Update 9am 4.1.26 

Wales and West Utilities have fixed the pipe. A spokesperson said: "Following damage to our gas main near Kingsbridge, gas supplies remain impacted in the area. Our team worked through the night on a very challenging repair, which has now been successfully completed. 

"We’re continuing to visit customers on the Priority Services Register to provide alternative cooking and heating facilities. If you know someone vulnerable, please check in on them. If you still need assistance, speak to one of our engineers working in the area.

"To safely restore gas, we need to visit every property with a gas supply and turn it off at the control valve near the meter. Our engineers have already started this process, and we’ve brought in extra teams to help.

"Please make every effort to be home when our engineers call—this will speed up the process. Once all properties are switched off (likely by late afternoon), we’ll begin restoring supplies.

"We’ll need to visit each property again to turn the gas back on safely. If you’re not home, we’ll leave a card with details on how to contact us.

"I𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 

"If you smell gas, call the National Gas Emergency line on 0800 111 999.

"Our engineers carry ID badges. You can verify their identity by calling 0800 316 0478.

:Thank you for your patience as we work to restore supplies safely. We’ll provide another update later today."

Houses in the TQ7 and TQ8 areas (see the end of this article for a list) have been left without gas due to suspected fence post damage of the mains gas line.

UPDATED STATEMENT FROM WALES AND WEST UTILITIES (6.45pm): "A third-party has damaged our gas main near Kingsbridge in Devon, and we are aware that this is affecting gas supplies to customers in the area, as well as in Marlborough and Salcombe. 

“Since being made aware of the damage caused to our pipe, our engineers have been on site planning the necessary repair and are now beginning the process of undertaking the work.

“This is a very challenging repair, and it is too early at this stage to say how long it will take to fully restore supplies, however, customers should be prepared for an interrupted gas supply for a few days. We will provide further information as the repair work continues, to explain what customers can do to help with restoring their supplies.

“We have also been working hard, making arrangements for customers in the area registered on the Priority Services Register to be provided with alternative cooking and heating facilities. We are working to reach these customers as quickly as we can and would ask for patience as we work our way around to them. 

“In the meantime, we would ask anyone who is aware of a family member or neighbour who may be vulnerable to check in on them until we can reach them. We are also liaising with the local council to understand what additional support they can provide.

“We would like to thank people for bearing with us as we work to repair the damaged pipe and deal with the disruption it has caused. We will provide a further update in the next few hours”.   

If you are (or are living with someone) over the age of 60, have children under the age of 5, have someone who is chronically ill or with a disability living at the property, you can register with the Wales and West Utilities Priority Services Register: www.wwutilities.co.uk/services/priority-customers/priority-services-register/ and you will be offered alternative cooking and hearing appliances if your supply is interrupted. 

If you visit the Facebook Page Kingsbridge Area Community Group, the community is coming together to offer heaters, blankets and support to their neighbours - check it out if you need something to help you through this hard time. 

The village hall in Malborough has fan heaters, hot plates and warm packs to collect as needed - Wales and West Utilities staff are also on hand. 

Phil Clack spoke to an engineer working to solve the problem and said: "I’ve just driven past where the leak is and the engineer says the farmer has put a fence post through the gas main. They need to get diggers in before they can fix it and then visit every house to ensure the gas is off at the meter before they can switch it back on to ensure no open ends. 

"I quote ‘tomorrow, maybe longer’ before supply is back on for everybody. Good thing it’s not going to be a cold night…! 🙄🥶"

Wayne Grills, Pizza Planet, sent us this photo, saying: "That haze is gas."

The view across Belle Hill with a gas haze - Wayne Grills 

A spokesperson for Wales & West Utilities said: “A third-party has damaged our gas main near Kingsbridge in Devon and we are aware that this is affecting gas supplies to some customers here and in the surrounding area. 

“We have a team of engineers on site at this moment assessing the damage and planning the necessary repair.

“We will provide a further update within the next two hours."

Advice for keeping warm without gas central heating

To keep warm without gas, focus on "heating the person, not the house" by layering clothing, using blankets, hot water bottles, and heated electric throws; blocking heat loss with draught excluders, thermal curtains, and rugs; and generating internal warmth with hot meals, drinks, and staying active, while using electricity-based alternatives like storage heaters or electric blankets for supplemental heat when needed. 

• Layer Clothing: Wear thermal base layers, wool, fleece, and warm socks, keeping your head, hands, and feet covered.
• Use Blankets & Throws: Opt for electric blankets, fleece blankets, or weighted blankets; use hot water bottles.
• Stay Active: Move around, do chores, or light exercises to generate body heat.
• Eat & Drink Warm: Have regular hot meals (soups, stews) and drinks (tea, coffee).
• Create Warm Zones: Spend time in one room, use a bed tent or sleeping bag for focused warmth, and share body heat. 

We will update this story when we can. 

TQ7 areas: Ashford, Aveton Gifford, Bantham, Beesands, Beeson, Bickerton, Bigbury, Bigbury-on-Sea, Bolberry, Buckland, Challaborough, Chillington, Chivelstone, Churchstow, Dodbrooke, Dunstone, East Charleton, East Prawle, Easton, Ford, Frogmore, Galmpton, Goveton, Hallsands, Harleston, Hatch, Inner Hope, Kellaton, Kingsbridge, Kingston, Ledstone, Loddiswell, Malborough, Outer Hope, Ringmore, Sherford, Slapton, Sorley, South Allington, South Huish, South Milton, South Pool, Southville, St Ann's Chapel, Start, Stokenham, Sutton, Thurlestone, Torcross, Venn, Warcombe, West Alvington, West Charleton, Westville, Woodleigh and Woolston. 

TQ8 areas: East Portlemouth, Goodshelter, Higher Batson, Lower Batson, Rickham and Salcombe.