Electricity appeal after gas loss at 500 Cumbrian homes

Hundreds of homes in Cumbria left without gas after water entered the mains have been asked to stagger their use of electricity.

National Grid engineers are working to restore the supply to about 500 properties in Ambleside after it was cut off on Saturday morning.

United Utilities said this has led to an increase in demand, putting an additional load on the local network.

People are asked to protect supplies by only using one appliance at a time.

The plea has gone out to all homes in the town, not just those whose gas is cut-off.

There are hopes the supply can be reconnected to some homes in the town later, but it is not yet clear how long it will be before it is completely restored.