No gas leak compensation for Workington traders
Last updated at 20:18, Thursday, 23 February 2012
Gas company bosses have ruled out compensation for traders affected by a major gas leak on Workington’s Murray Road.
Some businesses had to shut for up to three days last week while repair work was carried out.
The road is now open but work continued all this week to restore the surfaces
Northern Gas Networks said that because it was an unplanned emergency, businesses could not claim any money back.
A spokesman said: “Residents and businesses directly affected by the incident are not entitled to compensation under the legislation.”
Debbie Hodgson, 43, owner of Belle Amie beauty salon, said: “We lost over a £1,000 last week but it’s difficult to say for sure.
“The gas board said that because it’s an emergency I can’t claim. I might just cut my losses and put it down to bad luck.”
Tracy Starkie, owner of Mode 1 hairdressers, said: “I lost three days of business.
“I have lost a lot of money and I have eight staff to pay.
“The repairs outside are still affecting trade. Elderly people struggle to get in and there is noise from the pavements being dug up.”
Elaine Thompson, manager of the British Red Cross shop, said: “Last week was a disaster for us. We lost about £700 on Tuesday and Wednesday. It stopped us getting donations and we are desperate.”
A Northern Gas Networks spokesman said: “The local community has shown us a great deal of understanding, recognising that the work was both vital to public safety and unavoidable.
“We know the work took place in a very busy location and recognise the impact it has had on the town.
“We would like to apologise for the inconvenience.”
Last night, Northern Gas Networks sent a letter to all businesses affected by the gas leak, thanking traders for their co-operation.
After repair work last week it was decided that the quickest way to get the road reopened was to put down a temporary road surface, followed by more work needed to restore the road surface to its original state.
The spokesman added: “The council’s highways department has yet to decide when the work should be done and grant a permit. We will work closely with the council to ensure that we minimise disruption.”
First published at 19:21, Thursday, 23 February 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk
@C - the point is, Murray Road was effectively closed according to all the newspaper reports, and the shopkeepers were all kept out - I certainly thought it was anyway.
And if the newspapers say it's closed, you're not going to bother going down to see if you can get to any shops are you?View all 3 comments on this article
Have your say
what is all the fuss about would you rater they done nothing and just let the street blow up or people die of breathing in all the gas fumes so you lost money but isnt your staff and the publics safety more important and i could also walk up and down both sides of road
Posted by jen on 25 February 2012 at 17:11