A BUILDING site and nearby streets in Greenock's west end have been closed off due to a gas leak in an ongoing incident.
Emergency services raced to the scene at the former Greenock Academy at around 3pm following reports that a gas main had been hit.
Residents looked on as all work stopped at the site where 30 new homes are being built. Madeira Street, Newark Street and Eldon Street have also been shut down and the surrounding areas closed off.
The Telegraph understands some nearby homes were also evacuated.
Housebuilders CCG confirmed that the incident was not related to any activities on their site.
A spokesman said: "We can confirm that the incident is not in any way a result of any construction activities on our site."
It is understood there had been work ongoing at a gas box near the site today.
Crews from Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were in attendance at the time of writing.
A witness told the Telegraph: "The smell of gas would knock you out. It is so strong.
"Everything was closed off immediately.
"But the police officers have been going door to door and visiting the nearby Madeira Nursery to reassure everyone that it is safe."
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We were alerted at 2.52pm on Monday, September 2, to reports of a gas mains leak on Madeira Street in Greenock.
"Operations Control mobilised one fire appliance to the scene as a precaution. Crews remain at the scene."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A number of road closures are in place as emergency services respond to a gas leak in Greenock.
"Newark Street, Madeira Street and Eldon Street are all affected and motorists are being asked to avoid the area."
Construction firm CCG Homes are building 30 new luxury homes in Madeira Street in a development known as The Scholars.
Last month, the Telegraph received an exclusive first look inside the new show home which opened mid August.
Read more: The Scholars: First look inside show home on academy site
The former Greenock Academy closed in 2011 and was then used as the location for the BBC drama Waterloo Road.
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