In conjunction with the emergency services, Shaftesbury Avenue was reopened late last night, open to traffic, pedestrians and businesses. Stacey Street will remain closed for the remainder of the week whilst the damaged pipe is replaced. Businesses on Stacey Street are one as usual, except for three businesses, which we hope will reopen later today.
Work by Cadent’s gas emergency engineers has continued throughout the day, to repair the damage to the large (18inch/45cm) metal gas pipe on Stacey Street, near Shaftesbury Avenue; along with checking over 40 properties to ensure they have no gas readings in the buildings.
The temporary repair has been completed, and Shaftesbury Avenue has been reopened to pedestrians and shops from the junction of St Giles High Street and 179 Shaftesbury Avenue.
Work continues to check all the affected buildings and once they are clear of any gas readings, people will be allowed to safely return to their properties. Once this has been completed and checking with the other emergency services, the cordon and remaining road closure can be reduced.
We ask for continued patience and understanding whilst we complete our works for this emergency situation and ensure the safety of the surrounding area.
At this time, we estimate that our work will continue into the evening. Cadent is expecting to be on Stacey Street for the remainder of the week, whilst a permanent repair to the damaged pipe is completed.
Kane McLoughlin, Cadent’s Head of Operational Delivery explained, “As the gas emergency service, our engineers were called to a report of a smell of gas on Stacey Street, near Shaftesbury Avenue in London around lunchtime yesterday (14/06/26). Working with the local emergency services we had to monitor the area until a crane was removed in the early hours of this morning.
“Since the crane has been removed, we have been able to locate the gas escape and are working to repair the gas pipe. We are continuing to work with the emergency services to ensure the safety of the area, and we hope to reduce the cordon in place, that was set by the fire service, as a precaution.
“Once we have stopped the gas escape, we will be able to reduce the cordon and allow some of the evacuated people, back into their properties.
At this time, we do not know how long it will take to complete the repair or carry out the investigation to the cause. Our priority currently, is to ensure safety of people and the buildings and complete the repair as safely and quickly as possible.
Incidents like these are a reminder that if you smell gas, you should immediately call the free national gas emergency service on 0800 111 999* put the number in your phone, you never know when you might need it.
*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.
Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.
Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*
Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.
*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
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