Dozens of homes in Shawlands evacuated after gas leak prompts emergency response in Glasgow

Dozens of homes have been evacuated with 40 people given emergency accommodation overnight after a gas leak in Glasgow.

Emergency services were called to reports of a leak inside a property on Pollokshaws Road, near Shawlands Primary School, shortly before 4pm on Monday.

The issue is within one of the privately-owned shop below the flats on the street, according to Wheatley Group housing association.

SGN engineers were called out to assess the situation with an emergency evacuation of surrounding properties ordered. The gas company said it could not tell how long repairs would take.

Around 40 residents had to leave their homes and spent the night across the road in a rest centre set up at Shawlands Primary.

Wheatley Group tenants had hotel accommodation arranged for them.

“Staff were at the scene very quickly and we’re doing everything we can to help the residents,” the housing association said.

“Our priority is to make sure everyone has alternative accommodation while the repairs are being safely carried out.”

A cordon remains in place on Tuesday morning.

A Glasgow City Council spokesperson said: “A rest centre was set up at Shawlands Primary school last night to make sure displaced residents had somewhere close by to shelter during the ongoing incident.”

Waseem Hanif, spokesperson for SGN, said it was working to repaid the gas leak.”Our teams responded to the leak on Monday, December 11, afternoon in our capacity as Scotland’s gas emergency service.

“Approximately 40 residents in nearby properties have been evacuated as a precaution by the emergency services.

“We’re working as quickly and safely as possible however, it’s too early to say at this stage how long repairs will take to complete.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 3.55pm on Monday, 11 December, 2023, police received a report of a gas leak within a property in Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow.

“Emergency services are in attendance while Scottish Gas Networks work to resolve the issue.

“Approximately 40 residents in surrounding properties have been evacuated as a precaution and were provided with emergency accommodation overnight.

“A cordon remains in place and there are no road closures.”