FIRE crews rushed into action after a suspected gas leak was reported in Ramsbottom.

The smell was reported in the area around Stubbins Lane on December 21 with fire crews shutting down the road until emergency workers from the Cadent gas network could assess the situation.

According to fire service protocol a cordon must be set up for 50 meters around a suspected leak to prevent any source of ignition from getting too close.

Road closures remained in place for several hours however Cadent established that the suspected smell was not gas and that no danger was posed to the public.

A Cadent spokesman said that it is not unusual for them to get such calls, adding: “We were called to a suspected gas leak and went to investigate. However the smell was not gas.

“There can be many different things that can cause people to suspect that they smell gas. Everyone did the right thing by calling us.”

Cadent manages the 24 hour national gas emergency service number and anyone who smells gas, suspects a carbon monoxide leak or knows a pipeline has been struck can call 0800 111 999.