GAS engineers have reconnected all the Marsden homes they have been able to access.

The only properties remaining unchecked are those where engineers have been unable to gain entry, such as holiday homes.

Northern Gas Network's John O'Grady said: "By 11pm last night we had visited every property in the area.

"Those which we could gain access to by 10pm last night are back on supply.

Mr O'Grady said the homes which they couldn't gain access to normally fell into two camps.

He added: "They are empty homes because no-one is living there or they are holiday homes and currently unoccupied.

"Alternatively some people may have reconnected their own gas. It does happen."

Mr O'Grady paid tribute to the people of Marsden for their patience in the crisis which started on Saturday March 4 after a fracture to the gas main under Chain Road.

He added: "A big thank you to the people of the area for their fortitude and forebearance in a time which has been difficult for them.

"I'd also like to say a big thank you to the workers who reconnected the gas.

"They have been tireless in their efforts."

Mr O'Grady said the operation to get the gas back on had to meet stringent standards.

In a letter to the 1,774 gas customers who lost their supply, he wrote: "This was not a job that could be rushed; there were no short-cuts to be taken. The engineers had to ensure that all 20km of gas mains in the area were clear of air and containing 100% gas before your own supply could be reconnected.

"This was for the safety of you, your friends and neighbours."

Colne Valley MP Kali Mountford has praised gas engineers for their work in Marsden.

But the MP is also pressing for more talks with utility companies to improve safety.

She is concerned that many people have said they smelled what could be gas in the run-up to the leak.

Ms Mountford herself said she noticed a funny smell while out walking in Marsden two weeks earlier, but put it down to farmyard odours.

But she added: "The problem for many seems to be that they are unsure where to report a strange smell. What would make sense was if there was one number for all the utility companies for emergency calls.

"I will be pressing for talks as it is one issue where the companies would have to provide funding".

The gas emergency number to ring for any suspected leak or problem is 0800 111 999.