Gas leak near industrial park closes roads

People are being urged to avoid an area of Romsey after a suspected gas leak at an industrial park.

Hampshire fire service confirmed it had responded to the incident near Timsbury earlier.

Police said officers were assisting gas workers with road closures at Wynford Industrial Park in Belbins.

Gas company SGN said engineers will remain on site into the evening and added there had been no loss of gas supplies to homes or businesses.

There are several road closures in place near Rudd Lane, including Bunny Lane, Yokesford Hill and Sandy Lane.

Witnesses have reported that the leak is emitting a strong smell as well as a loud hissing noise, with local resident Pete Fielder describing the sound as "a mixture between a steam train and a fighter jet".

"We did some investigating and we found a big plume of what looked like steam," he said.

"We've got several big gas mains going through the farm but never had anything like this before."

Police said they have been told there was "no risk to the public", but added some residents may have to be evacuated "as a precaution".

The fire service advised people to keep their doors and windows shut.

A spokesperson for SNG said: "Our engineers will remain on site for the rest of today and into this evening.

"The pressure in the pipeline will continue to be reduced this evening.

"We'll know how long the repair will take once we access the pipeline tomorrow.

"No gas supplies have been affected.

"We are dealing with a number of reports to the National Gas Emergency Number as a result of this incident.

"The smell of gas will diminish as the pressure in the pipeline continues to be reduced."

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