TAUNTON town centre is open again following the toxic gas leak alert.
Police have thanked the public for their co-operation during the day, which saw East Street closed for most of the day.
A force statement said that following extensive investigations from police, fire and staff from Wessex Water, officers are now happy there is no risk to the public from any gas or chemicals.
A spokesman said: "Concerned members of the public would appear to have smelled a substance being used in drains and pipes by Wessex Water and raised the alarm in good faith.
"As a result, a further build up of non hazardous, but potentially flammable gas was discovered.
"Experts are again happy this poses no risk, but as a precaution, staff from Wessex Water are currently involved in ensuring all of this gas is allowed to escape from pipes and drains."
The East Street roadblock, which runs from Shout to the Market House, is expected to remain closed to traffic for the evening. It is open to pedestrians and cyclists and the pubs are open.
Ch Insp John Holt, speaking at 3pm, said the all-clear would probably be given in two to three hours.
He said there was a concern about the state of the drains in the area following the incident, which was sparked by reports of the smell of noxious gases in Specsavers around 12noon.
He added: "Hence the reason why we evacuated this part of the town centre - and it will be remaining closed until those drains are cleared.
"It has caused a fair amount of disruption, which is unfortunate, particularly at this busy time of year.
"We are doing everything possible to get it cleared as soon as possible.
"Our priority is public safety.
"The public have been absolutely excellent and I'm grateful for their support."
The area from the top of East Reach to Woolworths on East Sreet was evacuated this afternoon.
A fire spokesman said the gas was thought to be hydrogen sulphidemed at this stage.
Hydrogen sulphide is not only pungent, but toxic and poisonous, but it was only released in a small amount.
The incident was initially reported to be a release of sewer gas.
Traffic is being diverted around the scene and causing chaos on roads in the town.
Specsavers franchisee Gary Jones said the alarm was raised after a smell of something like 'methane and glue' was found by staff.
He told the County Gazette he thought the smell was coming up from the sewer.
There are no reported casualties.
A spokesman for Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, said the hospital had been made aware of the situation but had not been put on alert and had received no admissions from the incident.
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