UPDATE 3.30pm: ROADS affected by the gas leak in Cwmbran this week have now reopened.

A spokesman for Wales and West Utilities said: “We have completed our work to repair a gas pipe on Avondale Road, Cwmbran and are now in the process of removing our equipment from the area.

“Avondale Road, Chapel Lane and Pontrhydyrun Road will reopen at 3.30pm."

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A PUB and a hotel which were evacuated because of a gas leak in Cwmbran can now reopen, engineers have said.

Emergency services, as well as Wales and West Utilities, were called to Avondale Road at around 2pm on Thursday and three roads were closed.

Engineers have worked through the night to fix the damaged pipe.

A spokesman for Wales and West Utilities said the gas leak has now been stopped and the Ashbridge Inn and the Table Table pub and restaurant can now reopen.

He said: "We have experienced significant engineering difficulties, and this remains a very complex and challenging job due to the location and depth of the damaged gas pipe. 

“We are now in the process of carrying out a permanent repair."

Avondale Road, Chapel Lane and Pontrhydyrun Road will remain closed but are expected to open again by 6pm today.

According to Sean Morgan, station manager at Cwmbran fire station, a construction company had been drilling drainage when they hit a gas main, causing the leak.

A spokesman for Wales and West Utilities said: "No gas supplies have been affected by this incident, and I’d like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding while we have worked to resolve this situation as safely and as quickly as possible.

“Wales & West Utilities provides the gas emergency service across Wales and the south west of England.

"If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.”