MP CALLS FOR SWIFT ACTION TO RESTORE GAS TO AMBLESIDE

Tim Farron has demanded immediate action to restore gas and electricity supplies to the town of Ambleside.

Tim spent much of the weekend in Ambleside with residents - all of whom have lost their gas supply, some of whom have also lost their electricity supply as a result of unrelated incidents (the gas went on Saturday and the electricity on Sunday). Tim has spoken regularly to senior managers at National Grid who supply gas to Ambleside and with United Utilities who have responsibility for electricity to demand immediate action. Some properties have now had power restored but there is much more to do.

Today Tim is in the town meeting residents at the District Council's support centre at the Parish Centre where residents can get hot food and at the National Grid temporary centre at the Mountain Rescue HQ where residents can get temporary heaters.

Tim said "The power companies have a duty to restore and maintain power immediately. In particular, United Utilities have the capacity to ensure secure electricity supplies by the provision of generators - that must be done throughout the town. It is not acceptable that people - particularly older people - who have just struggled through incredibly difficult winter weather conditions over the last month, are being left without heating or hot food."