BUILDINGS have been evacuated in Launceston following reports of a gas leak in Pennygillam Industrial Estate, Launceston.

Emergency services are currently responding. Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service are managing the incident while police are on the scene assisting with road closures, local evacuations and cordons.

A 500 metre cordon is currently in place from the site which includes the closure of the A30 in both directions. Highways England are putting diversions in place for vehicles.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Properties within 200m have been evacuated, within the wider cordon the public are asked to stay inside and keep doors and windows shut.

“The public are advised to stay away from the area at this time and to expect some congestion as people find alternative routes.”

Among those to be evacuated was farming equipment supplier Hamblys.

A spokesperson said: “Due to a suspected gas leak at Pennygillam Industrial Estate, our Launceston depot, along with neighbouring sites, has been evacuated as a precaution. Phones are currently being diverted and our out-of-hours contact numbers remain active. For any urgent enquiries, please contact one of our other depots or our out-of-hours number. Thank you for your patience.”

As a result of the incident a number of local businesses also decided to cancel their deliveries this evening on safety ground.

A spokesperson for Flavour Junction said: “We hope everyone involved is ok, we apologise for any inconvenience but our drivers’ safety is always paramount.”

Launceston Fryers also cancelled deliveries, adding: “I do not want to risk the health of my drivers. We hope you understand and we apologise for the inconvenience. Please be safe.”

Updates as we have them.