Fire fear clears courtroom

More than 50 people, including magistrates and defendants, were forced to leave court in Mid Wales when the building was evacuated following a strong smell of fuel.

Firefighters were called to Welshpool Magistrates Court yesterday after staff reported smelling fumes.

The Mansion House building in Severn Street was evacuated at 11am and then again 45 minutes later amid fears of a fuel leak.

Mr Peter Swanson, a presiding magistrate, said: "We were first called out at 11am when someone could detect the smell of paraffin or a similar substance, but we were allowed back in at 11.15am.

"But then at 11.45am the fire service was called when the smell persisted and we were evacuated from the building using our training which we are provided with by the court service."

He said that the all-clear was finally given shortly after 1pm.

"It was quite a worry, but we had two hours out of the building as although the all-clear was given, court did not re-start until 1.45pm."

Mr Mike Cullen, who was sitting with Mr Swanson, said: "It was good to see the building evacuated so smoothly, but we don't know where the smell came from and I believe that is still under investigation.

"It was quite a strong smell of paraffin and the court staff did the right thing by calling the fire service."

A Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman, said: "The building was ventilated and an investigation was carried out to see where the smell came from, as we suspected there could have been a gas leak.

"The engines left the scene at 1.05pm and we are classing it as a false alarm with good intent."