A road closure is in place on Neptune Road in Walker (NE 6), following third party damage to a medium pressure gas main today (Friday, July 12).

The road is closed in both directions from the Ford service centre to the junction with Oil Mill Road.

Emergency services are on site, as well as engineers from Northern Gas Networks, who are carrying out repair work.

James O’Brien, site manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “Local residents may have noticed a smell of gas in the area, as a result of third party damage to the gas main.  Thankfully, there has not been a need to evacuate local properties, and gas supplies are not affected.

“Our engineers are working on the repair, which has required a section of Neptune Road to be closed. Public safety is always our overriding priority, and we are working closely with the emergency services to ensure the situation remains safe, and local residents feel reassured.”

Local customers with any questions can call Northern Gas Networks customer care team on 0800 040 7766 or email customercare@northerngas.co.uk

Customers who smell gas can call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.