Fisherton gas: More leaks from 'uncharted' pipe and how it started

The street was evacuated on Wednesday evening, October 25, as gas was leaking after Milestone workers found an unidentified pipe while excavating adjacent to City Hall.

Further leaks coming from the gas pipe away from the site have been identified and further excavation is required to stop it.

SGN had not charted the pipe, which ran to the first floor of City Hall, when utility checks were undertaken to develop the design for the Fisherton Gateway project.

Workers traced the route of the pipe inside City Hall and decided it was no longer required because it wasn't providing a live supply to the building and the internal gas pipework had been removed many years ago.

The main supply to the building was also in a different location and work to remove the pipe started on Wednesday.

During these works, workers noticed a strong smell of gas and SGN engineers were sent to the site.

This is when the emergency services were contacted and everyone was evacuated.

Police closed the road for around four hours. (Image: Newsquest)

SGN's investigation found further leaks away from the works site which means excavation right back to the gas main will be required so the gas pipe can be capped there.

'Everyone’s safety is our paramount concern'

Wiltshire Councillor Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport, said SGN has carried out temporary repairs.

"Such instances do occur on live construction sites, especially when utilities are unchartered and despite the best efforts of everyone involved to prevent them from happening," she said.

"We are grateful that the Police took a cautious approach in this instance and arranged for the area to be cordoned off and nearby people evacuated to ensure everyone’s safety, which is our paramount concern.”

Businesses that rely on night-time trade lost significant amounts of potential earnings as a result of the gas leak.

Anokaa manager Mohammed Odud said the Indian restaurant lost around £2.5k and had to cancel 70 evening bookings.

Families living in Fisherton Street were instructed to leave their homes when the police arrived.

Vicky Meeks, owner of the Dressing Room Prom, couldn't return to her children, aged 18 and 16, who were told to stay at the back of their flat on Fisherton Street just metres from the leak.

She said: "I was freaking out because if something did happen I would not have been able to be there. At 6pm the smell of gas was overwhelming."

SGN was approached for a comment but said it could not provide a statement until Monday morning because further investigation is needed.