The Gas Man Cometh

For weeks we have struggled to find out whether this pipe, which M unearthed while digging a big hole in the garden, was “live”. Did it contain electricity, gas, water or simply a redundant pipe?
 
A whole string of men appeared, took one look at this mystery pipe which went through our next door neighbour’s garden too, and said they would send somebody .
 
They never did. This went on for weeks.
 Then our neighbour a very feisty 92 year old picked up the phone and rang the gas board.
 
 
Whatever she said to them worked. They were out in an hour. They confirmed yes it is a gas pipe and yes it is live.
 
Just as well M did not put his spade to it.