Families evacuated from Crawley flats after gas leak return home

Families who were evacuated from their Crawley homes following a major gas leak have now been told they can return.
By Sarah Page
Published 7th Jan 2021, 10:19 BST
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Hundreds of residents were ordered to leave their flats in Milton Mount Avenue, Pound Hill, in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Emergency accommodation was arranged at a number of nearby hotels.

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But Crawley Borough Council, in a message to residents last night, said: “Following final gas safety checks by SGN, we’re pleased to say that the gas emergency at Milton Mount has now ended.”

Emergency services have declared a major incident in Crawley after 700 people were evacuated from a block of flats. Picture: Eddie Mitchell SUS-210601-083114001Emergency services have declared a major incident in Crawley after 700 people were evacuated from a block of flats. Picture: Eddie Mitchell SUS-210601-083114001
Emergency services have declared a major incident in Crawley after 700 people were evacuated from a block of flats. Picture: Eddie Mitchell SUS-210601-083114001

The council added: “It is safe for residents with keys to return to Milton Mount Flats. However, we can’t guarantee that your electricity and boiler will be working if you return tonight. You are welcome to return home or remain at your hotel.

“Unfortunately, it’s not going to be possible to return keys to residents who are in hotels until the morning because of the time this takes due to coronavirus restrictions.

“If you do not have keys, please do not return to Milton Mount; stay in the hotel. You’ll be able to collect your keys from the Montefiore Room in Ridleys Court between 8am and 11am tomorrow.

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“If you do have keys, you can continue to stay in the hotel tonight and have breakfast in the hotel tomorrow morning if you wish. If you don’t have transport to get back to Milton Mount we will again be providing transport in the morning.

“Sussex Police will continue to patrol outside to ensure the security of Milton Mount Flats.”

Related topics:Crawley Borough Council