Sheffield residents could be forced to spend night in hotel following major gas leak

Residents could be forced to spend the night elsewhere following a major gas leak on a Sheffield street.
Police at the scene this morning.Police at the scene this morning.
Police at the scene this morning.

As many as 60 people - including pensioners aged in their 80s, a wheelchair user and children - were evacuated from their homes in Shiregreen in the early hours of this morning following reports of a 'hissing' sound and a foul smell of gas after workmen hit a pipe.

Police knocked loudly on the doors of about a dozen homes in Hatfield House Lane and Winkley Terrace at about 3.30am warning residents to leave the area immediately.

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A refuge base was set up in the nearby Concord Sports Centre where residents have been gathered since the evacuation.

A spokesman for contractor Amey, who admitted its workers had caused the leak during resurfacing work, said plans were in place to ensure residents were given an evening meal and early preparations were being made for the possible need for overnight accommodation in hotels.

She said: "We are still waiting for Cadent to tell us if or when people will be allowed back into their homes. We are expecting a further update at around 7pm.

"Sheffield International Venues, who run Concord Sports Centre, have been fantastic as have Cadent and everyone at the emergency response team."

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A Cadent spokesman said: "Cadent engineers remain on site in Hatfield House Lane, Sheffield, where they are working to repair a section of our gas mains network.

Early this morning (Wednesday 11 April) third party contractors carrying out work to the road damaged part of our network.

"Hatfield House Lane is currently closed, though the contractors already had a closure in place for their work.

"We’re working closely with the emergency services and local authorities to resolve things as soon as possible so residents can return to their properties.

"Gas supplies to the area are being maintained."