Roads reopen after leaking gas pipeline made safe

The leak was reported after loud hissing was heard and a substance was seen rising from the ground

Road closures put in place after a leak was discovered coming from a gas pipeline have been lifted after it was made safe.

The leak was found in a field off Rudd Lane in Timsbury, near Romsey, on Tuesday afternoon.

Gas company SGN said its engineers had reduced the pressure in the pipeline and isolated the damaged section of pipe at about 22:00 BST.

Yokesford Hill, Bunny Lane, Belbins and Sandy Lane have now reopened.

Police closed off nearby roads while the gas pipeline was isolated by SGN engineers

Through Tuesday afternoon and evening residents nearby, who reported the leak was emitting a strong smell and a loud hissing noise, were urged to keep their windows and doors closed.

SGN said with the pipe isolated, its engineers were assessing the extent of the damage, investigating the cause of the leak and planning work on "the complex repairs required".

The leak has not affected any gas supplies in the area, SGN added.