Gas leak evacuees can return home after repairs

Le Geyt road remains closed as engineers continue to work at the scene

A mains gas leak that led to the evacuation of properties in St Helier has been located and repaired, the government has said.

Families from 21 homes in the Le Geyt area were evacuated on Wednesday afternoon.

Island Energy (IE) said its most recent checks had not detected leaked gas in any of the properties, and emergency services had been stood down.

About 50 residents spent the night in hotels but were now able to return home, housing provider Andium said.

About 50 residents of Andium properties spent the night in hotels as a precaution

Le Geyt road remains closed as engineers continue to work at the scene.

IE said it would continue to monitor gas levels in the area over the "next couple of days".

It said: "We would like to thank the residents of the area, particularly those that stayed in alternative accommodation overnight, for their help and co-operation while we followed our process and procedure for managing a gas escape.

"We would also like to thank the emergency services for their support."

'It's a worry'

Constable Kevin Lewis said he was glad people were safe and hoped similar incidents could be avoided in the future.

He said: "That's down to Jersey Gas or Island Energy, but I believe they're renewing many of the pipes in their system which are quite old now, but it is a worry."

On Christmas Eve a household had to evacuate due to a suspected gas leak at a property in St Helier, and at the beginning of December two other homes were evacuated for the same reason.

The government advised residents to take the following action if they smelt gas or suspected a leak:

• Leave the property and call Island Energy immediately

• Turn off gas appliances and switch off the supply

• Extinguish all naked flames and cigarettes

• Do not use any electrical appliances or turn electrical switches on or off

• Do not use the doorbell