Swindon's Oxford Road road closed due to gas leak

A section of Oxford Road has been closed off in Swindon

Motorists are being warned to avoid a busy commuter road in Swindon after it was closed due to a major gas leak.

Both lanes of Oxford Road are shut between White Hart roundabout and the Nythe Road junction.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue has also asked people in the area not to set off any more fireworks in the area due to the "huge risks".

Gas engineers and officers are at the scene to make the area safe, police added.

The fire service tweeted: "Due to the ongoing incident on Oxford Road, Swindon with the major gas leak, we are asking people in the local area to please NOT set off any more fireworks at the moment as this poses a huge risk to members of the public and our crews."

Wiltshire Police have said as the footpath over the roundabout is closed, pedestrians are also being asked to avoid the area.

Gas engineers, the police and fire service are at the scene

A Swindon Borough Council spokesman said they were alerted at lunchtime on Friday.

"The leak was caused accidentally by our contractors working in the area," he said.

"A utilities plan was provided for the works but it was not in the correct location and Osborne, the contractor, has been trying to locate the gas main over the last few days."

He added that the leak has been secured and repairs are being made with the road closed as a safety precaution.

"Residents may smell the gas but it will not cause a health risk. We would like to thank drivers and local residents for their patience as the leak is fixed," he said.