NATIONAL Grid engineers have managed to restore gas supply to 300 homes in Winsford following a water main burst on Crook Lane on Sunday.

The gas supply was cut off to homes in the Wharton area after a water main burst and flooded the gas network.

Letters have been sent to residents informing them of the situation and it is hoped 200 more homes will be reconnected today, Wednesday.

A National Grid spokesperson said: "It is a slow process as thousands of litres of water is still being pumped out of the gas network.

"Today the remaining area will be divided into three sectors.

"Concentrating on a sector at a time the water will be pumped out and engineers will follow to restore the gas supply."

Residents are also being offered compensation for the inconvenience caused by the gas shortage.

The spokesperson said: "A second letter was sent to residents yesterday explaining that National Grid will pay £30 compensation to domestic users for each 24 hour period they are without supply and this will be paid directly to their gas supplier."

If internal pipe work is damaged residents should call a CORGI registered engineer and send the invoice to Darren Hill, United Utilities, Head Office (insurance), Dawson House, Liverpool Road, Warrington, WA5 7LW.