Thirty homes evacuated after gas leak

Residents evacuated due to a gas leak have been told it could be late on Monday night before they would be allowed to return to their homes.

Thirty homes near the junction of Fordington High Street and Holloway Road in Dorchester were evacuated, including two families with babies at 06:30 BST on Monday.

Only once the gas supply to the area is secure and tested can the electricity be switched back on, which leaves up to 75 homes in the area currently without power.

Supplier SGN has issued a statement acknowledging that they are working on the problem and apologises for the inconvenience.

Road closures on the High Street, Holloway Road and Pound Lane are to remain in force until the situation is resolved.

Dorchester mayor Les Fry praised the work of the gas company, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue and Dorset Police for reacting promptly to the situation.

"It is good to see all of the services pulling together so that people can get back into their homes as soon as possible," he said.

LDRS said it was understood all affected have gone to friends and relatives while repairs are carried out.

One resident was told by a council officer that, even if all goes well with the gas repair, it could be four hours before people are allowed back home.

"I noticed the smell when I was outside the back door. It seemed to be coming from the drains – so I phone the southern gas emergency number," resident Katie Tidby said.

"When the engineer arrived he lifted the manhole cover and you could see the gas shooting out… they took readings in our house and their machine bleeped in every room, so they said we would have to evacuate."

Dorset Council said Acland Road day centre, located behind Wollaston Field Car Park, was opened as an emergency drop-in point.

SGN said the road closures meant no through vehicle access past the closure in either direction and bus routes might be affected.

It added businesses would remain open as usual and advised residents to check its website for updates.

"We are sorry for any inconvenience these works may cause and thank you for your patience and understanding."