Gas-leak scare in Lancashire town traced to durian fruit

Emergency gas workers were dispatched to Lytham St Annes, a seaside town in Lancashire, after residents reported a strong gassy odour along the High Street. Cadent, which runs the National Gas Emergency Service for four of the UK’s eight gas distribution networks, said inspectors found no leak after checks across three shops.

Investigators followed the odour through a charity shop and a body care outlet before turning to Strongs Fruit and Veg, where the scent was traced to a small batch of durian fruit. The fruit, imported from Southeast Asia, is known for its distinctive odour, which some describe as sweet while others find it overpowering. Some parts of Asia have even banned the fruit from hotels or on public transport because of its strong smell.

Shop owner Andrew Simpkins said the new stock had sold well since it arrived, with boxes priced at about £22 for 500 grams. Staff member Wai Peng Cheng and his partner Candy Pooi Kuan Lam, who had recently returned from a holiday in Malaysia, had suggested to Simpkins that he stock the unique delicacy, and he agreed to take the first delivery on September 16. Cheng noted that the responding gas engineer initially doubted the explanation, but confirmed the source once he was shown the fruit outside the shop.

The incident drew attention from local officers, though Cadent said no police or other authorities were needed to manage any danger. In the end, the odour was found to originate from the durian boxes rather than from a leak in the gas network. Cadent emphasized that it is common for suspected leaks to turn out to be something else entirely, and urged the public to report any suspected gas odors immediately.

Phil Hendrick, head of operational delivery at Cadent's northwest branch, confirmed that no gas leak was detected in any of the three shops involved. He stressed the importance of acting on any gas smell: if you ever sense gas, it is always the right thing to do to call the National Gas Emergency Service at 0800 111 999, day or night. Cadent operates this emergency service for four of the UK's eight gas distribution network areas.

Experts note that durian is a large, spiky fruit with a strong, pervasive aroma that can be perceived as either appealing or overwhelming. While many shoppers welcome the distinctive fruit, others may find its scent disruptive, which helps explain why the initial report described the odour as potentially dangerous. In some Southeast Asian markets, durian is celebrated as a delicacy, yet its odour has become a cultural touchstone that sometimes causes friction in public spaces. In this case, the real-world risk proved to be minimal, but the episode served as a reminder of the value of quick reporting and professional assessment when people detect unusual smells on busy streets.

The episode concluded with a reassurance: the town did not suffer any gas-related hazards, and the durian stock continued to attract curious shoppers. It also underscored a broader lesson about public safety communications—when in doubt, contact the appropriate emergency services and let trained technicians determine the source of the odour. The incident will likely be cited by Cadent and similar utilities as an example of prudent vigilance and a reminder that not every pungent scent signals danger, but every reported smell deserves timely attention.