AROUND 300 people were evacuated from their homes after workmen cut through a gas pipe in Bury St. Edmunds.Some residents faced spending the evening in a community centre while the leak was fixed.

AROUND 300 people were evacuated from their homes after workmen cut through a gas pipe in Bury St. Edmunds.

Some residents faced spending the evening in a community centre while the leak was fixed.

The drama unfolded at around 11.30am today in Mount Road, causing roads in the area to be closed off.

Nearby residents in roads and cul-de-sacs leading off from the area in Appledown Drive and Castle Road were told to leave their homes.

Even people living further away from the leak were advised to stay indoors and keep all windows shut.

By around 4pm, householders living in roads off Castle Road were allowed to return to their homes.

But those living in the Appledown Drive area faced a wait well into the evening before they could go back.

Gas workers were having to dig ditches either side of the gas main to be able to fix it.

St. Edmundsbury council has set up an information line for residents with regard to the leak and can be contacted on 01284 757053.