Full Breakdown
Major Gas Outage Affects Thousands in South Devon
1/4/2026, 8:46:12 PM
Overview of the Gas Outage
A significant gas outage has impacted approximately 4,600 properties in South Devon, primarily affecting the towns of Kingsbridge, Malborough, and Salcombe. The disruption began on Saturday due to damage to a mains gas pipe caused by a third party working near Belle Hill, Kingsbridge. Wales and West Utilities (WWU) is leading the restoration efforts, deploying over 100 engineers to address the situation.
Restoration Efforts Underway
WWU has initiated a two-step process to restore gas supplies. Engineers must first visit each affected property to turn off the gas supply at the control valve near the meter, followed by a subsequent visit to safely restore the gas. As of Sunday afternoon, the company reported that the mains pipe had been repaired, and efforts to reconnect homes were underway, starting with Malborough. Kingsbridge and Salcombe are next in line for restoration, with vulnerable customers prioritized.
WWU has urged residents to be present at home during the engineers' visits to expedite the restoration process. The company has already visited 60% of the affected properties and has brought in additional engineers from other areas to assist with the workload.
Impact on Local Communities
The gas outage has led to significant disruptions in the community. Kingsbridge Primary School announced its closure due to the lack of heating and hot water, affecting several other schools in the area. Local businesses, particularly those reliant on gas, have also been impacted. Wayne Grills, the owner of Pizza Planet in Kingsbridge, stated, "We had to close, we cook on gas like many restaurants and takeaways... the minute we knew we didn't have gas that was it, we were shut."
Safety Precautions and Community Support
In light of the outage and the cold temperatures, Devon County Council is providing warm packs to vulnerable residents and ensuring that roads remain accessible for emergency services. The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has issued safety warnings regarding alternative heating methods, advising residents to keep portable heaters at a safe distance from flammable materials and to avoid using barbecues indoors.
Official Statements & Responses
WWU has expressed appreciation for the patience of the affected residents as they work to restore gas supplies. A spokesperson noted, "We continue to appreciate everyone's patience as we work to restore supplies and would like to thank people for this." Residents are encouraged to follow WWU on social media for ongoing updates regarding the restoration efforts.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While WWU has indicated that some customers may see their gas supplies restored as early as Sunday, others may have to wait until Monday or Tuesday. The exact timeline for full restoration remains uncertain, with some reports suggesting that the outage could last several days.
