AN "emergency" in the Blairhall area has left residents without heating after the gas supply to around 400 homes was turned off.

The primary school was also closed this morning with SGN confirming the disruption was down to safety reasons.

Spokesperson James Higgins said: "We can confirm that gas supplies were lost to around 400 properties in Blairhall earlier today as a result of water entering our gas network.

"Our engineers have made great progress this afternoon and have started extracting the water from our network.

"This means gas is now available to a number of the affected properties.

"Work to locate and remove the remaining water from our network will continue into the evening.

"It's difficult to say how long this will take, but once this work is complete, we'll be able to restore gas supplies to the remaining affected properties."

A letter to locals said: "For safety reasons, we have to turn off your gas supply at the meter.

"Once we are able to reconnect your supply, engineers will call at your home and also carry out safety checks.

"It is very important you do not try to use gas while our engineers are dealing with this emergency.

"At this time, it is difficult to estimate exactly how long this work will take, however engineers are working to restore supplies as quickly as possible and we will keep you informed of progress."

Properties in Blair Grove, Bowling Green Wynd, East Avenue, Houldsworth Street, Plover Way, Rintoul Avenue, Rintoul Place, School Lane, South Avenue, Wemyss Avenue, Wilson Street and Woodlands Terrace were all affected.

SGN are operating an emergency centre at Blairhall Community Centre, in Wilson Street, with older residents, families with young children, or people with a disability or long term illness able to borrow portable electric appliances for cooking and heating.

These can be obtained from the community centre or by calling 0800 912 1717.

An update this afternoon said gas is now available in East Avenue and South Avenue and SGN were working to visit the affected properties in these streets to restore gas supplies and carry out safety checks.

The customer service team will remain on site until 10pm.