Bradford-on-Avon town centre was temporarily closed for several hours on Saturday, 29 August, following reports of a potential gas leak. Emergency services, including police and fire crews, were dispatched to Silver Street at approximately 11am after concerns were raised about the safety of the area.
In response, authorities implemented road closures on Silver Street, Market Street, St Margaret’s Street, and over Town Bridge to ensure public safety. Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service supported local police officers from Bradford-on-Avon Police in managing the scene and conducting investigations.
Initial reports advised motorists to avoid the area and seek alternative routes, as the closures were expected to remain in place for the “foreseeable future” while the situation was assessed. The BBC reported that several shops were evacuated amid the incident, and a local resident described hearing a “loud bang and smoke,” which was linked to a manhole cover reportedly blowing off.
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Following a thorough examination of the scene, authorities determined the cause to be an electrical fault rather than a gas leak. Consequently, all road closures were lifted by around 2pm, and the area was declared safe.
Bradford-on-Avon Police provided an update on their official Facebook page, stating: “We responded to reports of a possible gas leak on Silver Road, Bradford-on-Avon, at around 11am this morning (29/08). Officers supported colleagues from Bradford-on-Avon Fire Station with road closures while they investigated the circumstances.
“It is believed the incident was caused by an electrical fault, and the area was made safe. All road closures were lifted at around 2pm.”