Major gas leak repaired as residents return home

A major gas leak has been repaired after engineers fixed a damaged pipe beneath a road.

Wales & West Utilities said people would be allowed to return to their homes following the completion of the repair on Pengover Road in Liskeard, Cornwall.

The leak was caused when third-party contractors working in the area damaged a gas pipe, according to the utility company, with properties being evacuated as a result.

Peter Frearson, Wales & West Utilities gas emergency service manager for Cornwall, said: "Our engineers have worked around the clock and we're pleased to say that we have now completed a full repair of the damaged gas pipe."

He said as a precaution, the emergency services had evacuated a small number of nearby properties.

"We are now in the process of clearing the site, which will then allow those residents to return to their homes," he said.

"We'd like to thank the local people for their patience and understanding while we carried out this essential repair."

Cornwall Council said it understood up to 80 people had been displaced during the incident.

Devon and Cornwall Police said on Thursday the leak south of the A390 and Addington was "major", with Pengover Road closed in both directions.

The road has been reopened and the council and police have thanked local residents for their patience and cooperation.

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