THE quick-thinking actions of local residents saved the day when they alerted gas engineers to a smell coming from a shop premises in Maldon High Street.

Gas company Cadent sent an urgent response to the potential leak at a shop understood to be currently undergoing refurbishment. As the building was locked when they arrived, the engineers called emergency locksmiths – but fortunately the shop owner turned up in time and was able to let the gas workers in to fix the problem.

The incident stands as a reminder to local people to be vigilant for gas leaks as the weather turns colder and pipework becomes more vulnerable to leaks.

A spokesperson for Cadent said: "We were called to a report of gas escape at a shop in High Street Maldon at approximately 2.30pm on Sunday, 29 November. Our engineer arrived at approximately 3pm.

"Access was provided by the store owner, though a locksmith had also been alerted. The leak was coming from an internal gas pipe supplying a cooker. Our role in such incidents is to make safe, which we did and we isolated the gas supply to the property.

" All suspected gas escapes should be reported on 0800 111 999 (calls are recorded and may be monitored)."

For more advice on what to do in the event of a gas escape please visit