TEMPORARY heating is being made available for residents living in and around Framlingham who have been hit by the loss of their gas supply.

TEMPORARY heating is being made available for residents living in and around Framlingham who have been hit by the loss of their gas supply.

Around 1,000 homes and businesses are thought to have had their gas cut off since last night after a safety device was triggered at a supply station in Fairfield Road.

It is feared that it could take up to three days before the supply can safely be switched on again, but the National Grid, who own and operate the country's principal natural gas transportation system, has already made arrangements to provide alternative heating.

Any home that has lost their supply can pick up a portable electrical heater and hob from Sir Robert Hitcham Primary School in College Road, Framlingham.

Discussions are underway to finalise arrangements to ensure that housebound residents are also able to receive one of the heaters.

Not all homes are likely to rely solely on gas for their heating, but with the first real cold snap of the winter now hitting the district, National Grid has acted to offer an alternative source of warmth and cooking.

It is also vitally important that every home affected switches off its gas supply at the meter. Engineers are due to visit every home to ensure that this has been done.

For more information, call The National Grid helpline on 0845 6056677.