A potentially deadly methane gas leak in Huyton was "not directly linked" to an evacuated flat block.
Residents of Crawford Gardens, a retirement and assisted living facility off Alamein Road, were evacuated at around 2pm following reports of a suspected gas leak. Firefighters, police, and engineers from Cadent gas distribution company were called to the scene, which was partially closed to traffic. Montgomery Road and Alexandria Grove were cordoned off, while Alamein Road remained open to cars collecting evacuated residents.
One neighbour said she was told the lockdown could remain in place until 10pm tonight.
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The Livv Housing Group, which oversees Crawford Gardens, said the leak involved methane gas – a highly flammable gas made up of carbon and hydrogen – and was not directly linked to the apartment building. Cadent engineers traced the leak to a nearby underground pipe.
Nick Jerman, head of customer operations for Cadent North West, said: "We have taken a safety-first decision to evacuate Crawford Gardens this afternoon, after finding gas readings within the building. We think we have found the source – a leak on a nearby, underground pipe – and are working now to repair it.
“We are in contact with the housing association which owns the building to look after the residents who had to leave their homes. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding. This is all about keeping everyone safe. Once we have completed the repair, my engineers will carry out checks to make sure the readings have cleared. We will then be able to reoccupy the building when all is safe.
“Incidents like this serve as an important reminder – to call the national gas emergency service on 0800 111 999, day or night, if you smell gas."
A Livv Housing group spokesman said: “We’re aware that there has been a methane gas leak from an area behind Crawford Gardens. It is not directly linked to our building, but our customers have been evacuated from their homes in Crawford Gardens as a precaution.”
“We’re working closely with the local authorities and emergency services to address the issue, keep our customers and the wider community safe and help people return to their home as soon as possible.”
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