Swindon residents forced to evacuate homes after gas leak
Firefighters say the evacuation was a "precaution"
Last updated 10th Oct 2022
Dozens of Swindon residents have been forced to evacuate their homes, after a gas leak.
Fire crews from Swindon and Stratton were called to Hatherleigh Court on Ringwood Close, Park North at 9:55am today.
A gas engineer had been unable to get into the flat where the leak appeared to be.
Officials from Swindon Borough Council carried out an evacuation of the building. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said that was a "precautionary" decision.
Staff from Wales and West Utilities and South Western Ambulance Service also attended.
Firefighters finished their work at the scene at 11:56am and residents have been allowed back into their properties.
'An appliance had been left on'
Darren Keighley, Wales and West Utilities Operations Manager for Swindon, said: "Our engineers worked as safely and as quickly as possible and found that an appliance had been left on in one of the properties. We have now turned the appliance off and are ventilating the area, making it safe.
"There has been no impact on the supply of gas to local homes and businesses.
"If anyone ever smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night".