Evacuation of 20 homes and area taped off after gas leak

Police and fire crews cordoned off Oswald Street, off Yorkshire Street

Around 20 homes in Rochdale were evacuated yesterday and an area was cordoned off after news emerged of a gas leak.

Emergency services taped off the area and residents were removed from their homes on Oswald Street, off Yorkshire Street, yesterday afternoon.

Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester FIre and Rescue Service and Cadent gas Distribution were all in attendance while the area was checked and secured. 

Rochdale Online understands all evacuations were merely a precautionary measure and that people have now been allowed back into their homes.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 3.10pm on Tuesday 13 August, fire crews were called to a suspected gas leak on Oswald Street, Rochdale.

“Two fire engines from Rochdale fire station, as well as the technical rescue unit from Ashton, were quickly mobilised to the incident. Around 20 homes on the street were evacuated as a precaution. Firefighters helped to ventilate properties and make the area safe.

“GMFRS crews were in attendance for around two and a half hours before handing the incident over to colleagues from Cadent.”