A gas leak in a residential street in Bexleyheath has led to emergency road closures and the evacuation of homes as emergency services and gas engineers work to make the area safe.
The leak was detected in Mayplace Road East at around 4.30am this morning (December 17), prompting an immediate response from gas distributor SGN and emergency services.
Homes Evacuated as Precaution
Gas readings were recorded in two homes along the road, and residents were evacuated as a precaution. SGN has since arranged alternative accommodation for those affected until it is deemed safe for them to return.
A spokesperson for SGN said:
“We responded to an emergency gas leak in Mayplace Road East, Bexleyheath, at 4.30am today.
We’ve sourced alternative accommodation for the affected residents and will reoccupy them once it’s safe to do so.
Our engineers have now located the source of the leak and are carrying out repairs to our gas main, while also ventilating the affected properties. The road remains closed to allow us to safely complete repairs.”
Road Closures and Bus Diversions
Mayplace Road East remains closed in both directions between Barnehurst Road and Pinnacle Hill North while repairs continue.
As a result, local bus services have been diverted:
- Route 99: Stops between Barnehurst Road and Randolph Road to Erith Road are not being served.
- Route 492: Stops from Mayplace Road East and Barnehurst Road to Erith Road are also bypassed.
Passengers are advised to check for updates and allow extra time for their journeys.
Repairs Ongoing
SGN engineers have identified the source of the leak and are now conducting repairs on the gas main while ventilating affected properties. However, it remains unclear when the repairs will be completed and the road fully reopened.
Community Impact
The evacuation and road closures have caused disruption for local residents and commuters, but emergency services continue to prioritise public safety.
Further updates will be provided as repairs progress and affected homes are declared safe for re-entry.
