Gas leak works force closure of main road

Graham Plant said Cadent was already working in the area when another gas leak was discovered under the A143 at Bradwell

A main road leading to a seaside town has been closed after a gas leak was discovered.

Gas network operator Cadent said it was working on a suspected leak under a pavement on the A143 Beccles Road in Bradwell near Great Yarmouth when it found the escape at a nearby junction on Tuesday.

No homes have been evacuated.

The company said it had been granted a four-day permit to work on the pipe, but that it hoped to complete the repair later on Wednesday and allow the road to reopen.

"We are doing everything we can to complete the repair as safely and quickly as possible, ensuring the safety of road user and keeping the gas flowing to the local area too," a Cadent spokesperson said.

The A143 links Great Yarmouth and Beccles, but drivers will be sent on a diversion using the A47 and Beaufort Way

Conservative Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for travel, transport and infrastructure, said the authority was trying to "clear the area of any current roadworks to make sure drivers are on a clear diversion to make sure people can have as short a journey as possible".

The gas leak was found at the junction of Mill Lane and Long Lane.

A Norfolk County Council spokesperson said on Tuesday afternoon: "Unfortunately the issue has escalated and now requires an immediate excavation meaning a full road closure is expected."

It has suggested the diversion would lead traffic along the A143 to the A146 near Beccles and the A47 east from Norwich.

However, Plant said some traffic would be able to use the B1534 Beaufort Way, which links the A143 to the A47 in Gorleston.