A major overnight gas leak has caused significant disruption in Nailsworth.
Emergency services attended the scene on George Street following reports of a “strong smell of gas” from 8pm last night, Monday. Nearby homes were evacuated and residents were further advised to keep their windows and doors closed.
The leak was located in George Street, where resurfacing work was taking place. The road remains shut this morning, Tuesday.
Nailsworth Computer Shop owner Pat Coyle told Stroud Times: “This is not good news for people who use this road to get to work, or for local traders like myself. Shops can still be reached from the W.”
An eyewitness, who contacted Stroud Times, said: “The smell is toxic and the town smells disgusting – I’m just glad we didn’t witness an explosion as this would have caused serious damage or even fatalities.”
Andrew Wilding, Wales & West Utilities Operations Manager for Stroud, said: “Last night (14 April) we received reports that a third-party contractor working in the George Street area of Nailsworth had damaged a gas pipe on our network during late-night road resurfacing work. We immediately sent our team to investigate and discovered a gas leak as a result of the damage.
“Our engineers worked as safely and as quickly as possible last night to isolate and stop the leak, making it safe. Today we are working to make a full repair on the pipe.
“In agreement with Gloucestershire County Council, and in order to keep the local community, road users and our colleagues safe, we will keep the Council’s road closure along George Street in place while we work.
“This is a complex job, and we do not yet know how long our work will take. We would like to thank everyone for their patience while we work to make this essential repair.”
