Displaced residents return to homes following gas leak

Sunday 15 December 2024

St Clement residents who had to be evacuated last night following a gas leak are now able to return to their homes.

Island Energy has confirmed the leak has been identified and fixed, and there have been no readings of gas in the properties at Le Clos Mourant for four hours.

Around 50 homes were evacuated last night following a smell of gas reported by the public.

In a statement, the utility company said: "Island Energy has a very strict policy and procedure in the event of a gas escape, and when we are called to attend, we use highly sensitive gas detection equipment, and follow a thorough process checking and monitoring the inside and outside of properties within the vicinity.

"The evacuation of homes and properties in the vicinity is precautionary, and again is best practice in these situations.

"We would like to thank the residents of the area for their understanding and apologise for the distress and inconvenience caused by this situation.

"We’re sorry we were not able to get them back into their homes last night so have covered the cost of overnight accommodation to help, our priority is to resolve the issue as quickly as possible."

Emergency services have now been stood down from the scene, but Island Energy engineers will remain to continue to monitor gas levels over the next couple of days to ensure no further risks are detected.

Andium Homes will support residents in returning to their properties, and staff will today visit all of the properties that had to be vacated to support and reassure residents.

A spokesperson from the housing provider said: "We do want to make it clear that the Le Clos Mourant buildings do not have mains gas going into them and we are already speaking to Island Energy and others to understand how gas can have been detected in that area."

ADVICE... 

If you smell gas or suspect a gas escape, call Island Energy’s 24 hour emergency line 01534 755555 immediately and follow the advice below: 

• Call Island Energy immediately on 01534 755555 (ideally leave the property to call)
• Open doors and windows to ventilate
• Turn off gas appliances and, if possible, switch off the gas supply at the emergency control valve (next to your gas meter or on the gas cylinder)
• Extinguish all naked flames and cigarettes
• DO NOT use naked flames or smoke
• DO NOT use any electrical appliances or turn electrical switches on OR off
• DO NOT use the doorbell
• DO NOT message Island Energy via their website or e-mail about an emergency. Call immediately on 01534 755555

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