Chippenham roads closed after gas leak warning issued

• Multiple roads around Chippenham have been closed following a gas leak.
• Fire crews are currently at the scene of the incident in the Foundry Lane area, with closures in place on Cocklebury Road and Sadlers Mead.
• Stay with us for the latest updates.

10:23am
Fire Service Update

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued a complete statement following its response to a gas leak in Chippenham.

Four teams were dispatched to the area and followed the scent of gas to a construction site where a digger had damaged a gas pipe.

The response has since been reduced to two personnel, as Wales & West Utilities tries to rectify the issue.

Residents have been cautioned that the disturbance may continue.

A spokeswoman stated, “We were called to Foundry Lane in Chippenham after reports of a strong gas smell. Two Chippenham crews, one from Calne, and one from Melksham initially responded while investigations were conducted to determine the source of the odor.

“This was tracked back to a building site where a digger had broken a gas main.

“Engineers from Wales & West Utilities are presently on the scene, attempting to stop the leak before a full repair is carried out. We have reduced our attendance to two Chippenham teams assisting with scene safety.

“Locals should keep their doors and windows closed as a precaution. There may be some traffic interruption in the Foundry Lane vicinity while the incident is taking place.”

9:55am
Massive emergency service reaction.

Our correspondent at the scene this evening captured images of the massive emergency service reaction that converged on Chippenham following the gas leak.

This included firefighters, engineers from Wales and West Utilities, and an ambulance service operations commander.

Work will continue this evening to remedy the problem.

You may read our entire report on the emergency response: A huge emergency service reaction comes on town amid a gas leak.

8:53am
Wales and West Utilities Statement

Wales & West Utilities has verified that its engineers would work throughout the evening to rectify the leak and restore supply to any affected houses.

A third party caused the leak on a building site in the Foundry Lane area after a pipe was damaged.

Josh Williams-Trim, Chippenham’s operational manager, said: “We received allegations of a gas leak at a building site in the Foundry Lane area of Chippenham this afternoon (February 11) and promptly dispatched engineers to investigate.

“Upon arrival, we discovered that a third party operating in the area had damaged the gas pipe, causing the leak. Our staff is on site, working as swiftly and safely as possible to repair the leak, and will continue into the evening until it is fixed.

“We are aware that the leak has caused a loss of pressure in the area, which may result in some properties going without gas. To assist customers, we have engineers in the region who may need to visit affected residences to cut off their gas supply, and once a repair has been completed, we will return to each home to safely turn on and relight their gas appliances. All of our engineers will be carrying identification.

“We are offering alternative heating and cooking facilities to vulnerable people in the region that we are aware of; but, if anyone requires assistance or knows of a neighbor, relative, or friend who may require this support, please let us know. You can contact us at 0800 912 2999 or enquiries@wwutilities.co.uk. Alternatively, you can reach us at X@WWUtilities or Facebook.com/wwutilities.

“We would like to thank local people for bearing with us while we work as quickly as we can to get the gas flowing again.”

Traffic is ‘chaotic’ at 7:57am.

Traffic has been significantly disrupted in Chippenham this afternoon as emergency services deal to a gas leak.

Traffic maps show delays on Cocklebury Road, Station Hill, New Road, and Malmesbury Road, and one driver described the congestion as ‘chaotic’.

7:18am: Construction site

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service has established that the suspected gas leak is at a building site off Foundry Lane.

Residents have reported being left without gas, and it will be up to Wales and West Utilities to restore the service.

7:12am
Traffic in the neighborhood.

Traffic maps are now showing delays near the entrance to Monkton Park at the junction of New Road and Station Hill.

6:58am: Road closures.

Road closures have been reported on Sadlers Mead and Cocklebury Road while emergency personnel respond.

According to the AA traffic monitoring system, “road closed due to gas leak on Sadlers Mead both ways from Cocklebury Road to Esmead.”

6:44am
Firefighters from Chippenham on scene.

Chippenham fire station crews reacted to the event, and additional information was shared on the station’s Facebook page.

It stated, “We are currently dealing with an incident involving a gas leak in the area of Foundry Lane, so please avoid the area.”

“We are advising any local residents to keep doors and windows closed due to the strong smell of gas.”

6:42am
Fire Service Statement

The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service has advised people to avoid the area while crews respond to the gas leak.

A spokeswoman stated, “We are currently dealing with an incident involving a gas leak in the area of Sadlers Mead and Cocklebury Road in Chippenham, so please avoid the area.”

“We are advising local residents to keep doors & windows closed due to the strong smell of gas.”

6:35am
Chippenham roads closed due to gas leak

Good afternoon, and welcome to the live blog.

Emergency services are responding to a gas leak in Chippenham’s Foundry Lane area, and homeowners have been advised to avoid the area and keep their windows and doors closed.

Multiple traffic closures are in effect while emergency personnel work.

Stay tuned for the latest updates on this ongoing situation and any disruptions.