City gas leak stopped and repair under way

A gas leak that led to residents and businesses in Bristol city centre being evacuated has been stopped, according to the network management company.

Engineers from Wales and West Utilities (WWU) worked overnight to stop a ruptured gas main beneath Colston Street. They are now working to fully repair the pipe, a spokesperson for the company said.

Emergency services were called to the scene at 13:43 BST on Sunday and a 200m (656ft) cordon was set up, covering the St James Barton Roundabout through to Park Row, Park Street and Anchor Road.

A closure is still in place on Colston Street at the junction with Trenchard Street, and motorists have been asked to follow a diversion route.

Bristol Beacon was forced to cancel performances on Sunday night and multiple bus services were cancelled or diverted due to the extensive cordon that was in place on Sunday.

Mike Radford, from WWU, said evacuated residents had been allowed back into their properties.

In a statement, he said: "Our engineers have worked through the night as safely and as quickly as possible and have stopped the leak and made the area safe.

"We are now working to make a full repair of the pipe."

He added: "We would like to thank local people for their patience while we carried out this essential work."

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