Gas leak at retail park

UPDATE 5:05pm

The gas has been successfully made safe, the cordon has been lifted and everyone can return to their homes/cars. Firefighters are now leaving the scene.

UPDATE 3:40pm

Tendring District Council have now set up a rest area in Clacton Leisure Centre for evacuees. This is somewhere to go, inside, with facilities, while residents are unable to return to their homes.

UPDATE 1:50pm

We ask all residents who have been unable to leave their homes within the 250m cordon to either evacuate or if you're unable to then please keep your windows and doors shut. 

Crews along with partners are continuing to work hard to make the area safe.

UPDATE 1pm

Station Manager Paul Nash said: “All residents from the area of the gas leak have now been evacuated and firefighters are continuing to work alongside partners to make the scene of a gas leak on Old Road safe.

Please continue to avoid the area, especially Waterglade Retail Park and the cinema. The roads are also likely to remain closed so please follow the local diversions. Thank you for your patience whilst we work to make the area safe.”

Firefighters are currently at the scene of a gas leak in Old Road, Clacton, after a gas main was accidentally struck by a digger.

A 250m cordon has been set up. This means that everyone within the cordon will be temporarily asked to leave the area until the gas main can be made safe.

Please avoid the area while we work with our partners to make the scene safe.