A NUMBER of roads sealed off and houses evacuated in the Fifth Avenue area of Harlow due to gas leak.

2100 hrs: Essex Fire and Rescue Service

The gas main has been repaired and all agencies will be leaving the scene. All roads and footpaths will be open shortly.

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Update 6:30pm

We’re continuing to work with Cadent and other partners to try and resolve this incident as quickly as possible. 

Station Manager Lee Hurst said: “We’re working as quickly as we can to safely resolve this incident and would like to thank everyone for their patience while we deal with this incident.”

1900 hrs: Statement from Harlow Council

Harlow Council is continuing to work with the Fire Service, Police and Cadent and is ready to provide further support if required.”

1700 hrs: Statement from Essex Fire and Rescue

Station Manager Lee Hurst said: “The safety cordon has now been reduced to 50 metres. Burnt Mill roundabout will remain closed, please follow the diversions.

We’d like to thank everyone for their patience as we support Cadent to resolve this incident.”

From Network Rail

Due to a Gas Leak in Harlow Town centre, services are unable to stop at Harlow Town, whilst the Emergency Services undertake safety checks. Harlow Mill station remains open. All services between Liverpool Street and Cambridge will now stop at Harlow Mill.

A Rail Replacement Bus Service will be in operation from Harlow Mill to Harlow Bus Station. No Buses will be able to run from Harlow Town to Harlow Mill, in order to reduce congestion at the Bus Station.

1500 hrs: YH has just been down to Fifth Avenue. It is shut off from Sainsbury’s to Elizabeth Way. The road is shut from Burnt Mills roundabout to Edinburgh Way at the Carvery roundabout.

Fifth Avenue is also shut from BM roundabout to Eastwick Road.

Statement from Essex Fire and Rescue Service

Firefighters are currently at the scene of a gas leak on Elizabeth Way, Harlow. 

Firefighters have evacuated around 30 nearby flats and a 100 metre cordon has been put in place. 

Essex Police and Harlow Council are providing support at the incident.

There are road closures in place, please avoid the area.

This is an ongoing incident and we are working with Cadent and other partners to try and resolve it as quickly as possible. 

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The leader of Harlow Council, Dan Swords said: “Harlow Council is working with the Police and Fire Service and is on standby and ready to provide further support.”

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THE EMERGENCY services are at the scene of a reported gas leak in Harlow which was reported today (Aug 1).

Roads around Elizabeth Way and Edinburgh Way are currently closed while fire crews take action.

Residents from one block of flats in the Fifth Avenue development are being evacuated. Please avoid the area.

More statements from a number of agencies to follow.