ENGINEERS from Northern Gas Networks (NGN) have now reconnected supplies to all Silsden properties where they have been able to gain access.

Nearly 3,000 properties are restored to the network.

And the company is urging people whose supplies have still to be reconnected to contact the customer care team on 0800 040 7766 or call at the community drop-in centre at St James' Church hall to arrange for an engineer to visit.

The centre is open until 9pm today and will reopen at 8am tomorrow.

Eileen Brown, NGN customer experience director, said: "Engineers have now reconnected gas supplies to all properties where they have been able to gain access and will continue to revisit properties throughout the evening to reconnect the remaining customers.

"We would ask residents for their ongoing patience as we continue this work and thank them for their co-operation.

"Our engineers are ready to reconnect the remaining properties to the gas as soon as they are able to gain access and will continue to visit homes late into this evening, before returning to site tomorrow morning.

"To help with this ongoing process, please can we ask residents to try and be available to allow our engineers to carry out the necessary safety checks.

"We would like to thank everyone involved over this Bank Holiday weekend for their fantastic support."

Engineers from NGN – supported by teams from other UK gas distribution companies including Cadent, Wales & West Utilities and SGN – are now in their fourth day of battling to reconnect townspeople.

Supplies to around 3,500 properties – most of Silsden – were cut off on Friday morning when contractors working on a housing scheme off Belton Road damaged a main.

NGN said engineers had been working late into the night to continue the mammoth task of reconnecting customers.

Iain Foster, the company's network supply strategy manager, said: "We've had a significant amount of additional support from gas distribution networks, partners, volunteers and the community, supporting our ongoing work to resolve the issue.

"Other external partners including West Yorkshire Police, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, volunteers, St James' Church, the town hall, library, Silsden Buzz and the local community have all supported us in resolving the loss of supply as safely and quickly as possible."

Assistance has been provided by volunteers and representatives from the Red Cross and Bradford Council.

Over 1,000 heaters and other essential items such as heat plates have been distributed, together with food vouchers for several outlets in the area.

And teas and coffees have been provided at the town hall, where facilities were offered-up by the Friends.

A massive community operation swung into action when the gas crisis began.

And tribute has been paid to NGN and the public spiritedness of people in the town.

Silsden town mayor, Councillor Peter Robinson, said: "On behalf of the town council, I would like to thank all those involved in the community effort to ensure the wellbeing of everyone during these events.

"We are grateful for NGN's efficient handling of the situation and we're extremely proud of all the volunteers who have come and helped.

"Our heartfelt thanks go to the local businesses, hotels, sports club, churches, the library and town hall for going that extra mile.

"We also wish to thank all the local social media sites and websites which are doing a sterling job of keeping us all informed."

Town and district councillor Adrian Naylor also praised the response.

He added: "About 8,000 people have been affected – virtually all the town.

"I must say the response from Northern Gas Networks has been fantastic, I can't praise them enough. People came in on the Bank Holiday to help.

"And the community is pulling together."

NGN says customers will receive compensation for loss of supply. Details will be announced soon.

Anyone needing customer support can call 0800 040 7766.

Barratt, the housebuilder behind the Belton Road scheme, has apologised to townspeople.