West Street, Fishguard safe after gas "explosion" investigation

“Following an extensive examination of the scene at West Street, Fishguard, the area has now been declared safe,” said a police spokesman.

People are now being allowed back into their homes and businesses following this morning’s evacuation. Pembrokeshire County Council said that Fishguard Leisure Centre has now been stood down as a rest centre.

Staff from Ysgol Glannau Gwaun are, however, remaining there with the small number of children who are awaiting collection by family members.

The leisure centre will operate this afternoon as a feeding centre for those people whose properties are without power following this morning’s incident. The WRVS is providing sandwiches, tea and coffee.

Police said that the cause of the incident is still under investigation, and West Street will remain closed to traffic for further work to be undertaken. Appropriate diversion routes will be put in place.

Some residents have said that the incident was caused by an electrical fault rather than a gas leak. However, this is at present unconfirmed.

“All agencies would like to thank the community for their swift response and co-operation during the evacuation process, particularly the staff and children from the local schools.” said the spokesman.

Headteacher praises evacuation

The headteacher of Ysgol Glannau Gwaun in Fishguard has praised the efficient evacuation of the school earlier today as a result of the gas incident in Fishguard.

Mr Irwyn Wilcox said: “There was excellent cooperation between the emergency services and Pembrokeshire County Council’s leisure, education and emergency planning teams.

"There were no problems whatsoever, it was a very smooth operation.” He also praised the catering services at secondary school in Fishguard, Ysgol Bro Gwaun, for providing lunch at very short notice for some 100 pupils from Ysgol Glannau Gwaun. “The catering services really came to the fore and we would like to thank them for their efforts,” he said.