Quick-thinking postman smells gas in empty house

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news ... rom_blast/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A HERO postman has saved a street from an explosive disaster thanks to a good sense of smell.

Residents of Washpool Cottages have praised the quick actions of Wayne Briginshaw, 50, who detected a gas leak in a house.

Wayne smelt gas as he was walking past an empty house in Washpool, West Swindon, and when he opened the letterbox he was hit by a strong smell of gas.

The gas board responded immediately to his call and when they entered the house they found the copper piping had been ripped out of the walls and all that was covering the end of the gas pipe was a rubber glove.

Wayne, who has been doing rounds in this area for 18 years, said: “I just smelt the gas in the air, the letterbox was sealed, if I hadn’t called the gas company it could have gone up at any time.

“All it would have taken is somebody to throw a cigarette out of the window, or someone use a mobile phone, and the whole place could have gone up – which would have been a disaster.

“If it had been ignited it would have taken down a couple of houses.

“When I got back to the office my manager told me he had heard good things about me.

“I don’t think I’m a hero, I was just doing what anyone would have naturally done.”

Trevor Davies was one of the relieved neighbours whose house would have been affected had the gas been ignited.

He said: “Who needs a sniffer dog when we’ve got Wayne around?

“We are so proud of Wayne, if he hadn’t smelt the gas and reacted so quickly all the surrounding houses, including mine, would have gone up.

“It could have been a complete disaster and we could have been spending Christmas in a tent.

“It was very irresponsible. Whoever did it in the first place, what were they thinking?”

To show their appreciation for his actions, the neighbours have now presented Wayne with a ‘thank you’ card and a bottle of wine.

A spokesman for Royal Mail said: “Wayne Briginshaw has been working for Royal Mail for 30 years and is the longest serving postman at the West Swindon delivery office.

“He is very highly respected by both his working colleagues and by his customers as he does a lot of community work.

“He has been recognised by his local manager for his very public spirited actions.”

Wayne is being rewarded by Royal Mail with a meal for two.

And his manager intends to put him forward as a nominee for the annual Royal Mail Chairman’s awards that will take place later in the New Year.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Wayne is being rewarded by Royal Mail with a meal for two.

Apparently there is a Dominoes Pizazs not far away from this office.

[stokes11eg]

Wayne is being rewarded by Royal Mail with a meal for two.

Apparently there is a Dominoes Pizazs not far away from this office.

No, no I expect it will be something from the staff canteen!

[brothermagrew]

“All it would have taken is somebody to throw a cigarette out of the window, or someone use a mobile phone, and the whole place could have gone up – which would have been a disaster.

if I hadn’t called the gas company it could have gone up at any time.

Is there a conflict of interest here!

[DGP1]

“All it would have taken is somebody to throw a cigarette out of the window, or someone use a mobile phone, and the whole place could have gone up – which would have been a disaster.

if I hadn’t called the gas company it could have gone up at any time.

Is there a conflict of interest here!

Although it is a urban legend that the batteries in mobile phones can cause a gas/petrol explosion, the battery would need to be damaged so badly that it probably wouldn't work but you're right about the cigarettes, yet another good reason to quit smoking although if you did light up it would be the last one you'd smoke

[Stormproof]

yet another good reason to quit smoking

Is that directed at me?

[Straight4ward]

On less delivery point on yer duty!

[DGP1]

yet another good reason to quit smoking

Is that directed at me?

[noggin1969]

Wayne is being rewarded by Royal Mail with a meal for two.

The manager said he couldn't wait and hoped Wayne bought his wallet with him

[Stormproof]

Wayne is being rewarded by Royal Mail with a meal for two.

The manager said he couldn't wait and hoped Wayne bought his wallet with him

In a Quadrant canteen