Gas leak cordon reduced, but SGN still working to make repairs

The cordon around the gas leak near Salisbury’s London Road has been reduced and those evacuated have been allowed to return home.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service have provided a detailed update this evening, “Trains will not be running through Salisbury until tomorrow morning, following a significant gas leak caused by someone digging and rupturing a gas pipe in the city.

“Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was advised by SGN of the leak at a site off London Road at 4.12pm today (17 April). Three fire crews, two from Salisbury and one from Wilton, are on scene, together with water carriers from Andover and Wilton, and an incident command vehicle from Devizes.

“As a precaution, an 80m cordon was put in place, and approx. 75 people were evacuated to a place of safety. SGN engineers have now confirmed that the cordon can be reduced, and displaced residents have now returned home.

“London Road was closed between the A30/A338 roundabout and the Hampton Park roundabout, but this has been reopened.

“However, the railway line remains within the reduced cordon and therefore has to stay closed until SGN have made the repair safely.

“Information for affected travellers, including commuters and students, can be found on South Western Railway’s website and social media channels.

“There may be some issues with mobile phone coverage in the area around the leak, as two masts need to be closed down temporarily as a safety measure.

“Anyone in the immediate area may still be able to smell gas in the air, so the advice remains to stay indoors and keep doors/windows closed.

“SGN engineers will be working through the night to make the repair. DWFRS, other emergency services and partners are working with them on scene to bring this incident to a conclusion as quickly as possible.”