Utility issue resolved

Selectmen on Tuesday gave retroactive permission to National Grid for a road opening after a dispute with neighbors. The company had installed a gas main on Fairview Street without town approval weeks earlier, saying that it was an emergency repair. Because the company still needs to seek approval for already completed emergency work, National Grid representatives came before selectmen to receive permission. However, some neighbors, angry about the manner in which the work was done and the lack of communication about the emergency repair, showed up to complain. As a show of support, selectmen put the request on hold until this past week, when National Grid representatives had to return to again ask for permission. At the meeting, utility representatives said they had spoken with neighbors who had concerns, and had also spoken to contractors and employees about the situation. - Jessica Bartlett