FAMILIES in Fisherton Street were separated after a gas leak that closed the road for more than four hours.

People were rushed out of their homes and places of work by police officers after gas leaked from a section of Summerlock Approach at around 5.20pm yesterday, October 25.

A restaurant on Fisherton Street also lost an estimated £2,500 from cancelled bookings that night. 

Milestone, contractors hired by Wiltshire Council to complete the Fisherton Gateway development, has launched an investigation into the cause of the leak.

Emergency services instructed people to gather at Shopmobility in Priory Square but they were given no indication how long the disruption would last.

Salisbury Journal: Fisherton Street was evacuated on Wednesday evening, October 25.Fisherton Street was evacuated on Wednesday evening, October 25. (Image: Newsquest)

Vicky Meeks, owner of the Dressing Room Prom, couldn't return to her children, aged 18 and 16, who were told to stay at the back of their flat on Fisherton Street just metres from the leak.

She said: "I was freaking out because if something did happen I would not have been able to be there. At 6pm the smell of gas was overwhelming."

Salisbury Journal: Vicky Meeks couldn't return to her children at her home on Fisherton Street.Vicky Meeks couldn't return to her children at her home on Fisherton Street. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

The 42-year-old was walking home when she saw that the road had been sealed off to cars and pedestrians.

"We went to the cinema and by the time we left, around 10.15pm, we were able to get back in and the road was completely clear," she added.

Tim Hardingham, 62, lives with his wife and son Olek, 5, on Fisherton Street and had a visit from a gas engineer before the evacuation as a faint smell of gas arose.

Shortly afterwards, a police officer said the family had to leave and they waited in the Bishop's Mill until further notice.

Salisbury Journal: Tim Hardingham and his son Olek packed up and went to the pub.Tim Hardingham and his son Olek packed up and went to the pub. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

Mr Hardingham said he remained calm but his son was panicking, adding: "Olek was worried about his toys. We had to take a bag of them to the pub with us."

The family returned home at 9.30pm but they were told not to switch any appliance on.

Next door, neighbour Sue Pierce, 81, said she had no time to think when the police told her to leave.

"It was just do as you're told and get out. I opened the door and the smell nearly knocked my head off. We didn't know how long it was going to be," she added.

Mrs Pierce paid £12 for a taxi to stay with her daughter at St Peter's Place and returned the following morning.

"We were told it could be one hour or five hours."

Salisbury Journal: Sue Pierce said the smell of gas 'nearly knocked her head off'.Sue Pierce said the smell of gas 'nearly knocked her head off'. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

Steve Curtis, 50, at Dauwalders, was evacuated at 5.25pm, five minutes before the shop was due to close. He quickly locked up the building and came back the following morning as normal.

Salisbury Journal: Steve Curtis at Dauwalders locked up early when he was told to leave.Steve Curtis at Dauwalders locked up early when he was told to leave. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

Wiltshire Council has been contacted for more information.