Can't reach

When I first saw them they were gathered around the raised manhole cover; one of them leaned down inside - "I can't reach it", he announced. So they moved on, gesticulating in all directions. Their mission seemed fairly urgent so I assumed it was something to do with gas, but when I got to the Shore I discovered three big BT Openreach vans lined up there. Must be a connection emergency - maybe someone's been at their copper cables. Our broadband still seems to be working though, so I'll try posting this!