RESIDENTS in Corringham have issued urgent calls for gas main replacement work in their road to be completed after an elderly woman had a lucky escape in a gas explosion in her home.

The 82-year-old woman was rescued by her neighbour in Giffords Cross Road after an explosion in her kitchen destroyed a conservatory, blew out a wall and blasted a door off its hinges.

She did not sustain any injuries.

National Grid has been carrying out gas mains work in the road for a few weeks. It is due to be completed in November and contractors were due to renew a service pipe, which runs between the gas main in the road and individual properties, to the woman’s house.

Frustrated residents in Giffords Cross Road and Giffords Cross Avenue are now demanding that National Grid completes the work before someone is hurt.

David Geddes, 68, of Giffords Cross Road, said: “We are on a main road and there is limited parking space. It is a relief that the lady is OK, but it could have been a lot worse.”

Kevin White, 58, who lives in nearby Giffords Cross Avenue, said the pavement outside his front garden had been left with a hole after being dug up.

He said: “I asked National Grid to provide a metal sheet to cover the hole, but they said no. It’s quite dangerous, as someone could have an accident by falling in.

“It’s just been going on for too long. We haven’t been able to use our drive for two weeks now.”

After the explosion, firefighters put out the fire, leaving just a small flame burning on the gas pipe to ensure that gas wasn’t allowed to build up.

However, the flame went out, which resulted in a gas leak.

Two homes either side of the property had to be evacuated and a dozen people had to stay with relatives or neighbours.

An investigation into the fire is being carried out.

A National Grid spokesman said: “National Grid and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating the cause of a fire and explosion on Wednesday, October 15.

“The scene has been made safe and our gas mains replacement work is continuing in the area.

“We’d like to reassure people that safety is our priority.

“If anyone has any concerns about gas safety or smells gas, they should call 0800 111 999.”