A HOTEL in Chard was evacuated after a gas leak was reported in a nearby alley.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue crews were called to the Phoenix Hotel on Fore Street at 5.14am (June 1).

On arrival crews confirmed that there was a gas leak in the alleyway of the hotel, but they were unable to stem the flow.

The hotel was evacuated and a cordon was set up.

The utility company arrived to stop the gas flow and the fire crews carried out a survey within the building using a gas monitor.

Graham Barker, co-owner of the Phoenix in Chard, said: “It is all back to normal now.

"What happened was someobody drove into the gas meter on the side of the wall. Luckily for us a neighbour was awake and told us about it, otherwise it could have all gone up.

"Police and the fire service were both called out. I wasn't here but they patched it up pretty quick. Then the gas company came out and they were done about 2pm, so it is all back to normal now."