UPDATED 1.40pm: Fire services from Foxton, Foxton Beach and Palmerston North are at the scene of a gas leak on State Highway One, on the edge of Foxton.

Palmerston North station officer Tony Sealey said contractors have hit gas mains while removing old fuel storage tanks at Foxton’s old Mobil station.

He said they have evacuated residents from the area and they are controlling the gas leak.

“We are hosing the area as a precautionary measure. The water is to disperse the gas cloud and remove the gas from the immediate area, neutralising threat of fire.”

Sealey said contractors are locating and crimping both gas mains before finding the source of the leak.

“We expect to be finished and have the road open to the public within the hour.”

State Highway 1 at Foxton has now been reopened.