Gas supply cuts brought out the best in our people

Feb 19 2009 by Our Correspondent, West Lothian Courier

AS a local resident and councillor for West Calder, I would like to publicly thank the many people who came to the aid of the village during last week’s gas cut-off.

Scotland Gas Networks (SGN) had about 80 staff working solidly on the problem, looking for the source of the water leakage into the main pipe.

The agency were notifying residents of safety issues when the gas was first cut of and then reconnected.

They were also informing people in the area of the back-up facilities which were being prepared and the availability of electric fan heaters which were especially needed for the elderly and vulnerable.

West Lothian Council Emergency Planning and the local Community Centre staff (with senior CommEd staff) swung into immediate action to ensure that the centre could offer food and shelter to those who needed it – with the WRVS also helping feed the hard-working SGN staff!

The police took great care to minimise the blockages to traffic whilst ensuring the safety of those digging up the roads.

On my visits each evening to the temporary HQ in the centre, I was continually reassured that everything possible was being done to solve the problem quickly.

I was very much impressed by the consideration and professionalism of all involved and their ability to remain good natured when they were personally under great pressure.

My thanks to them all for their help and support to the local people.

Councillor Greg McCarra, West Calder