WOKINGHAM’S FIREWORKS event has been postponed by a day following a major gas leak.
Eyewitnesses who saw the leak said that a massive cloud of gas was escaping from a burst pipe across the entrance of Cantley Park in Twyford Road.
The incident happened around 5.30pm on Saturday night and forced the postponement of the annual charity event in neighbouring Cantley Field.
Police sealed off Twyford Road and members of the Unicorns, Rotary and Lions clubs were on hand to direct members of the public to safety.
While it had been hoped to hold the event, the extent of the gas leak meant that it was unable to take place and it was cancelled around 6.15pm. However, it will now take place on Sunday, November 4 instead.
A statement on Wokingham Fireworks Facebook page said: “A gas leak at one of our main entrances [was] about 20 metres away from the fairground at the foot of Cantley Park.
“Emergency services evacuated the area (homes, the Wokingham Theatre, the fairground and catering suppliers) until gas services were able to attend, stop the gas and start repairs.
“Unfortunately all of this happened just as the event was about to open – hence it took a little time to get a full picture of the situation and make decisions about what we should do – in conjunction with the emergency services who we’d like to thank for their professionalism and support.”
The Wokingham Paper understands that to stem the flow of gas, the fire brigade used a water spray. This allowed a team of specialist engineers to get to work on the leaking pipe.
It is not yet known how the leak happened, although it is thought that a car accident in the road caused the damage.
A spokesperson for SGN, which controls Wokigham’s gas network, said: “We’ve made the situation safe, but we need to carry out a permanent repair. This could be tomorrow (Sunday) but we’ll work with the organisers [of Wokingham Fireworks] to ensure the display goes ahead.”
Thousands of people come along to what is one of the biggest nights in Wokingham town’s calendar and it is hoped that everyone who tried to come along tonight will now turn up on Sunday.
The torchlit procession will take place from 6pm from Market Place to Cantley Fields, while the fun fair will open at 5.30pm.
The fireworks start at 7.30pm.
It will be possible to buy a programme on the gates.
