Imagine waking up to a chilly morning, only to realize your gas supply has been cut off—and it’s not just you, but thousands of others in your town. That’s exactly what happened in Salcombe, Devon, where a major gas outage left 4,600 properties in the cold. For residents, it’s been more than just an inconvenience; it’s been a test of resilience and community spirit. But here’s where it gets even more challenging: the issue wasn’t just about fixing a broken pipe—it was about navigating the complexities of inaccessible second homes and coordinating access for repairs. Let’s dive into what went down and why it’s sparked conversations about future preparedness.
The crisis began on Saturday when a damaged mains pipe disrupted gas supplies across Kingsbridge, Malborough, and Salcombe in the South Hams area. Over 100 engineers from Wales and West Utilities (WWU) sprang into action, working tirelessly to restore services. While Malborough is largely back online—excluding properties that couldn’t be accessed—Kingsbridge has seen significant progress. But Salcombe? It’s been a slower climb. Salcombe Mayor Jasper Evans described the situation as a ‘tough few days,’ though he praised the ‘fantastic community response’ that helped keep spirits high.
And this is the part most people miss: the sheer number of empty or inaccessible second homes in Salcombe became a major hurdle. Evans explained that without access to these properties, engineers couldn’t complete safety checks or restore supplies, delaying the recovery process. ‘We’re really hoping today is going to be the big switch-on,’ he said, emphasizing the urgent need for property access. WWU and local authorities have been reaching out to second-home owners, agents, and neighbors to secure entry, but it’s been an uphill battle.
Evans urged residents to ensure someone is home to let WWU engineers in, highlighting the importance of cooperation in speeding up repairs. He also reflected on the lessons learned, including the need for better communication with second-homeowners and exploring alternative heating options like heat pumps. ‘A lot of lessons have been learnt,’ he noted, suggesting this crisis could be a turning point for how such emergencies are handled in the future.
But here’s the controversial question: Should second-homeowners bear more responsibility in situations like this? After all, their properties can become liabilities during emergencies. Or is it on utility companies and local governments to adapt their strategies? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that’s just getting started.
