WIDNES residents have been evacuated on New Year’s Eve following a gas leak.

It comes after a car crashed into a gas substation on Queensbury Way.

According to Cheshire Fire and Rescue, this has caused a gas leak.

Several households in the immediate area have been evacuated as a result, with around 2,000 homes being left without gas in the meantime.

A Cheshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: “Several households in the immediate area have been evacuated and it is estimated that a significant number of homes will be without gas while engineers work to stop the leak.

“The homes affected are in the Ditton and Upton Rocks area of Widnes.”

Emergency services were called to the scene at 6.50pm this evening, Sunday.

One fire engine from Widnes and one from Penketh attended the scene.

If anyone in Ditton and Upton Rocks areas are seriously affected by the lack of gas, you can call the Cadent emergency number on 0800 111 999