Engineers from Northern Gas Networks (NGN) are carrying out emergency repair work to a gas main at Durham train station this afternoon (Thursday, 1 December 2016).

The team arrived on site shortly after 11.35am, following third party damage to a pipe close to the rail line.

Having made the situation safe, repairs will continue this afternoon.

In order to carry out the work safely and efficiently, it was necessary to temporarily close part of the East Coast main line into the station however the line has now reopened.

Customer Operations Area Manager for Northern Gas Networks, John Richardson said:  “The safety of members of public is our number one priority. Due to the close proximity of the railway line to the gas escape, the East Coast main line was closed through Durham while we worked to control the escape.

“We’ll continue the repairs this afternoon, but would like to apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused in the meantime and thank everyone for their patience.”

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.