Community is praised as it rallies during loss of gas supply

EFFORTS to ensure support for the most vulnerable people hit by South Devon’s massive gas outage was quickly stepped up with various organisations combining forces.

- BRADLEY GERRARD Local Democracy Reporter

Thousands of homes in Kingsbridge, Marlborough and Salcombe are among those that suffered an interruption to their gas supply just as temperatures plummeted.

A huge effort was made to hand out various items, such as heaters, to help households through the period until the gas supply could be reactivated.

But vulnerable people in the area, including those who might not be able to easily leave home, especially in the wintry conditions, were the focus of a joined-up strategy to ensure help reached them.

Around 4,600 properties are understood to have been impacted.

Devon County Council said members of its emergency duty team and senior managers worked with the gas provider, Wales & West Utilities, and other organisations such as town and district councils, to make sure vulnerable people were supported.

“Council officers have been cross referencing our list of vulnerable people - known to be in receipt of care in the areas affected - with the priority service list held by gas companies to make sure that those in need are prioritised for visits,’ a spokesperson for Devon County Council said earlier this week.

“Similarly, we're linking with community groups and GPs to identify people where no formalised care provision is in place, but who still need help at this time.