Tollgate Hall locked down after gas pipe is struck

Tollgate Hall was forced to close on Thursday afternoon amid safety concerns surrounding the leaked gas in Stanway.

A meeting by Colchester NHS Social Club, which gathers retired NHS staff, had to be shifted to the nearby Victory Hall as a result of the incident.

A second event also had to be shifted on Friday morning as workers continued to remedy the issue at the site.

Venue chairwoman Ann Longman praised those who worked to get the centre in Villa Road back open.

Town - Stanway Tollgate (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “A telegraph pole was being put up when the power workers dug into a gas pipe.

“Thankfully it has all been dealt with today [Friday afternoon] and we are almost in a position to reopen.

“We have had to move two events but are hoping things will be back in action by the end of the day.”

Ms Longman added: “We are grateful to those working hard to get Tollgate Hall back open and, thankfully, there wasn’t too much disruption.”

Colchester’s former MP Sir Bob Russell was gearing up to deliver a speech on Thursday evening when he got wind of the news.

He explained he was concerned to receive an email from the organisers to say “we are having to move out of the hall because of a gas leak”.

Councillor - Lesley Scott-Boutell (Image: Newsquest)

The 38-year-old hall is available for residents to rent for meetings, clubs and birthday parties, boasting a seating capacity of up to 120 people.

Stanway councillor Lesley Scott-Boutell said it is an asset which is valued by the whole community.

“I have hired Tollgate Hall on quite a few occasions because it is a lovely venue which I have enjoyed many times,” she said.

“It is a nice place for children’s parties or get togethers and the kitchen makes it handy for a variety of events.

“I am glad to hear it will soon be back in action. It is a much-valued community asset.”