People evacuated after Essex gas leak allowed to return home

Water Glade Retail Park in Clacton has been closed off since this morning

Waterglade Retail park
Author: Cameron GreenPublished 18th Aug 2023

People who have been evacuated from their homes after gas leak in Clacton have been allowed to trurn back home.

At 5:05pm today (Friday), the fire service said: "The gas has been successfully made safe, the cordon has been lifted and everyone can return to their homes/cars. Firefighters are now leaving the scene".

Earlier today, Emergency services evacuated Water Glade Retail park, because a digger hit a gas main.

People were asked to avoid the area, especially Waterglade Retail Park and the cinema. While nearby roads were closed.

A 250m cordon had also been set up, with everyone within the cordon temporarily asked to leave the area.

Tendring District Council also set up a rest area in Clacton Leisure Centre for evacuees.

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