AN overnight gas leak led to the closure of a busy road leading onto an industrial estate and business park today (Monday November 17).

The leak on a stretch of Belmont Road, Durham, was reported to police by gas company engineers in the early hours after heavy rain continued from late last night.

Police were asked to assist with the road closure, to allow repairs to the leak to take place safely, shortly after 1.50am.

A stretch of Belmont Road was closed to traffic between the Sunderland Road mini-roundabout, near Bannatyne Hotel and Health Club, and the entrance to Belmont Industrial Estate and Business Park, near to the Broomside Park restaurant.

It meant the only access onto the industrial estate was via the A690 approach, on Belmont Road, leading to a bujild up of traffic at morning rush hour.

A Durham Police spokeswoman said the information supplied to the force communications room suggested the road closure may remain in place for potentially 24 hours.

Northern Gas Networks network officer, Andy Coates, apologised for any inconvenience experienced while the essential gas works are carried out.

He said: “We’d like to apologise to motorists and will endeavour to reopen the road as soon as possible. Safety is our number one priority and we’d like to thank the public for their cooperation.”