Road closures are in place on the A66 near Cockermouth following the report of a suspected gas leak just after 11.20am today (Oct 12).
Motorists are asked to avoid the area, with closures in place at the Fitz and Oakhurst roundabouts and at Brigham.
A Cumbria Police spokesman said: “Those living nearby are being advised to keep their doors and windows closed as a precaution – although the suspected leak is some way away from any homes.
“Engineers have been called out, the suspected leak is between the Fitz and Oakhurst roundabouts.”
A Northern Gas Networks spokesman said: “Engineers from Northern Gas Networks (NGN) are working hard to repair a damaged gas main on the A66 near Cockermouth.
“They were called to the scene just after 11am this morning (Saturday 12 October) and emergency repairs are underway.
“Motorists are asked to avoid the area, with closures and a diversion in place at the Fitz and Oakhurst roundabouts and at Brigham to ensure the repairs can be carried out safely and efficiently.”
Mark Lawson, Site Manager, Northern Gas Networks, said: “We are carrying out emergency repairs to a damaged gas main. It is believed the pipe was damaged by a third party carrying out work in the area. Gas supplies to properties are not affected.
“We’d like to apologise for the inconvenience caused to motorists and the general public and I can assure everyone that we will be working hard to repair the pipe as quickly as possible.”
For more information please contact NGN Customer Care team on 0800 040 7766. Anyone who smells gas should call the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999.
