Road closed after Market Drayton gas main damaged

Workers damaged a gas main in Market Drayton, leading to an emergency road closure near the Muller dairy. Residents reported a "distinct smell of gas" in Shrewsbury Road.

Police closed the road between the Muller island and Farcroft Drive at about 10.20am.

Officers were at the scene urging residents nearby to close windows and doors.

Drivers and pedestrians were urged to use an alternative route after the road was closed as a precaution.

This week workers moved in to begin creating a road junction as part of Shropshire Council's expansion of the multi-million pound Tern Valley Business Park.

A police spokeswoman said damage to the gas main was caused by workers.

A resident, who asked not to be named, said: "There is a distinct smell of gas in the air and police are advising people to close windows and doors.

"Traffic from the Longford Turning estate is being advised to take the road under the bypass to reach either Market Drayton or the A41. The road is blocked."

Maria Wilkinson, West Mercia Police spokeswoman, said: "An emergency road closure has been placed on a major Market Drayton road after workers damaged a gas main.

"Drivers and pedestrians are urged to use an alternative route after Shrewsbury Road between the Muller island and Farcroft Drive was closed by police as a precaution at about 10.20am today.

"Gas engineers are at the site and the road is expected to be closed for some time for safety reasons while the damage is repaired."