RESIDENTS and workers were today still not allowed into an area of Southampton after a gas leak closed the road yesterday.

More than 100 residents spent last night being put up by friends, family and in hotels, after Bellevue Road in the city centre was cordoned off.

About 200 people were ordered out of homes and offices yesterday morning after a member of the public smelled gas and raised the alarm.

Emergency services immediately cordoned off the road while gas engineers launched an investigation.

Cordon

Despite repairing the leak the area remained sealed over night and residents from five private houses, 65 residents from a council run hostel and some staying in the nearby YXCA were put in emergency accommodation as gas company staff tried to clear pockets of gas which had built up.

Although the cordon remained in place this morning residents from the five houses were allowed back into their homes but some workers and residents from the hostels were still not allowed to enter the road.

Christopher Matthews, a partner of Matthews Mist and Co accountants was forced to wait outside his business for clients who would have arrived to hand in their end of January tax returns.

He said: "I don't think this could have happened on a worse possible day.

"It's one of the most critical days of the year for our clients who could be fined if their tax returns aren't completed in time."

The accountants on the edge of the stretch of Bellevue Road cordoned off by police, had to evacuate 15 members of staff from its premises.

Investigation

Other businesses that were forced to close after the warning was raised, included law firm Moore and Blatch, estate agents Northwood.com, leisure arcade Slots of Fun, office building Bellevue House and local watering hole The Alexandra.

A spokesman for Southampton City Council said: "Residents from Bellevue Road were taken to Bedford House where they were provided with tea and coffee."

A Hampshire police spokesman said the force worked with the City Council and Transco throughout the day while the leak was being investigated and more officers were drafted in to man the excluded area during the rush hour.