North Andover program to support small businesses affected by gas disaster

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — The holidays are getting closer, but this season is different in the Merrimack Valley.

The town of North Andover is working to help local businesses hurt by the September gas disaster; 60 businesses were closed in the days and weeks immediately after the explosions and fires.

Over the weekend, the town offered a special program for shoppers. Customers who saved a receipt from Saturday or Sunday are eligible for gift cards of up to $100.

"It's been unpredictable our sales have been down and it's been a struggle to try and figure out how we are running our day-to-day operations here," said small business owner Kellee Twadelle.

As of Tuesday morning, Columbia Gas says 92 percent of all businesses that were affected have had gas service restored.

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