Gym evacuated following gas scare (From Your Local Guardian)

David Lloyd Leisure, in Hampton, evacuated after gas leak

2:51pm Tuesday 14th February 2012 in Richmond By Paul Teed

More than 300 gym members escaped from a leisure centre this morning following a gas leak.

Swimmers and fitness enthusiasts were asked to leave David Lloyd Leisure in Staines Road, Hampton, after staff raised the alarm at about 11.30am.

The gym said it expected to remain closed for the rest of the day while engineers tried to fix the leak. Security men were this afternoon turning visitors away.

A spokeswoman for David Lloyd Leisure said: “We can confirm that a gas leak – believed to be located in the club’s main gas line - was identified at David Lloyd Hampton at 11.30am today. The gas supply to the building was immediately cut off and some 300 to 350 members were led by staff to safety.

“The gas company responsible have confirmed that engineers are on their way, but it is likely that the club will remain closed for the rest of the day.

“We apologise to our members for any inconvenience caused. Many have commented on the fantastic job our teams did in evacuating the building, and we will update our website once we have confirmation of re-opening.”