FORTY businesses in Burnley were left without gas heating yesterday after contractors working on a water main ruptured an eight-inch main.

It happened on Sunday morning and the cut-off lasted until yesterday afternoon, affecting premises in Curzon Street, Bankfield, Kingsway, Parker Street, Bank Parade and Bridge Street.

Major businesses were affected including the market hall, Inland Revenue, Post Office Sorting Office and Social Security Office at Brun House.

A spokesman for the Inland Revenue Office said: "We had people working overtime on Sunday so we were aware of the problem and everyone was warned to wrap up warm.

"We were only affected until lunchtime and we managed to keep a full service running until the heating had been restored although it was very cold."

A spokesman for gas supply company Transco said: "The low pressure iron gas main released gas into the area but there was no need for any evacuation and no-one was injured.

"Once the main has been repaired we had to get access to all the affected premises which was difficult because it was a weekend and took us some time.

"All of the businesses had gas supplies reconnected by yesterday afternoon. Any compensation claims should be made to the company who sells gas to the firms."

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