Residents in Stannington have launched a petition demanding compensation from Yorkshire Water after a major incident left hundreds of homes without heat or cooking facilities.

As reported in Sheffield Wire last week a burst water pipe caused more than 400,000 litres of water to leak into the gas line and those affected and now asking for a years supply of free water for all properties affected

Margaret Young, who has signed the petition, said: “I am still sitting in my house with no heating.

“We have repeatedly told the authorities about the poor infrastructure. It’s time they listened.”

The petition claims the cause of the gas issue is down to the inadequate maintenance of the water infrastructure by Yorkshire Water, with “barely even an apology”.

Cadent Gas Network say they cannot guarantee that all homes in Stannington will have their gas restored today, but estimate that the majority of homes will have power by the end of the weekend.

The company has also said it will provide £65 compensation for every 24 hours that residents have had to spend without gas, but there has been no offer of compensation from Yorkshire Water.  

James Burdett, who started the petition, said: “Whilst Cadent have made it clear what compensation they are required to pay, Yorkshire Water should also take responsibility and compensate residents themselves for causing this situation. 

“The number of properties affected should be easily obtainable from Cadent, who capped the gas supply at each property affected.”

Another supporter of the petition, Sarah Plant, said: “We have been without gas for nearly 6 days now. I have 4 children.

“Within this time of not having any heating or hot water all 4 children have become Ill. It has been incredibly difficult to give them the care they need.”