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Residents evacuated after 'significant' Bilston gas leak

Around 30 residents were evacuated after a gas leak in a residential street in Bilston.

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The gas leak is believed to be in the Child's Avenue area of Bilston. Photo: Google Maps

West Midlands Fire Service were called to Childs Avenue, in the Woodcross area, shortly before 6.30pm on Saturday to reports of a gas leak in the area.

Approximately 30 occupants were evacuated, including adults and children, a fire service spokesman confirmed. They are believed to be from the Childs Avenue and Darby Close area.

A section of the street, at its junctions with Woodcross Lane and Nally Drive, was still cordoned off at around 8pm on Saturday.

A part of Childs Avenue was cordoned off on Saturday night

A gas engineer was on site and had isolated the leak – with a decrease of gas in the area, the spokesman added.

Crews from Bilston and Dudley fire station have been at the scene.

West Midlands Police and Cadent Gas were also at the scene.

A spokesman from West Midlands Fire Service said: "The incident involves a significant gas leak and approximately 30 occupants have been evacuated, including adults and children, at around 6.34pm this evening.

"A gas engineer is on site and has isolated the leak at street level. There seems to have been a decrease of gas in the area.

"Fire crews from Dudley and Bilston fire stations are at the scene.

"At 10.30pm the gas had been externally isolated and the incident was left with the gas board."

Wolverhampton Council later tweeted that they were aware of the incident and had a response officer at the scene.

They added: "We are on standby to open a local rest centre if necessary. Please stay away from the area."

Cadent Gas has been approached for comment.