Two major roads in the centre of Bath were closed yesterday afternoon after a gas leak from batteries at the Council’s One Stop Shop sparked fears of an explosion.
Firefighters were called in just after 2pm to deal with a leak of hydrogen gas from battery packs at the Bath and North East Somerset Council building on Manvers Street.
As a precaution, both Manvers Street and nearby Dorchester Street were also closed by police.
When fire crews arrived there were reports that the battery packs, which are used to power lifts, IT equipment and other electrical items, had heated up and swollen and were giving off the gas.
Around 100 people were evacuated from the premises.
Firefighters worked to ventilate the building and then cool the battery packs.
Gas meter readings were then taken to determine that the building was safe and it was reopened.
The road was reopened at around 5pm.
Bath and North East Somerset Council said in a statement that: “The Bath One Stop Shop will be open as usual from Wednesday morning, as will the Council’s main switchboard number 01225 477000.”