FAMILIES left without gas supply for five days say they are using electric heaters and keeping themselves fed with ready meals.

About 755 households in Nantyglo were hit by gas cuts after thousands of gallons of water from a burst main leaked into gas pipes on Thursday.

Gas company Wales & West Utilities has handed 150 fan heaters and hot plates to households and shower facilities have been available at two sports centres.

The company said yesterday [August 24] it had begun restoring gas to 200 homes and hopes all affected properties will have their supply within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Aaron Davies, 17, of Roundhouse Close, told the Argus: “It’s been terrible. We got microwave meals but they are running low. Pizzas have all gone at Asda.”

Mum-of-three Alison Hodgins, 48, of New Road, quipped: “I’ve got an electric shower so I'm clean.

“They have done their utmost and they are keeping us informed.

“It’s a good job there’s more microwave meals than ever and we use the barbecue.”

Neighbour Rex Preddy, 76, said: “It’s been awful and it’s cold.”

Dad-of-three Dale Williams, 36, of Waunheulog, said: “We came back from holiday on Friday and no one told us anything.

“It has been hard work. They gave us electric heaters. The problem is electric bills are sky high. It takes a long time to warm up.”

Retired miner Donald Marshman, 77, of New Road, added: “It’s a good job it’s this time of year, it’s not winter. It won’t be that bad.”

Wales & West Utilities said worked had pumped out about 33,000 gallons of water along six miles of network since the burst.

A spokesman said yesterday: “We are cautiously optimistic that we will be able to start on the restoration of all affected properties over the next 24-48 hours.

“This continues to be a complex operation and we will continue to work around the clock to resolve this issue as safely and as quickly as we can.”

* Abertillery and Ebbw Vale sports centre were open for residents wishing to take a shower yesterday.

But only the Ebbw Vale centre will be open today, Bank Holiday Monday, between 8am and 4pm.