ROADS and footpaths around the site of the Melville Oval Redevelopment were closed off to the public by police and CFA crews on Monday morning due to a gas leak at the work site.

CFA incident controller, Cody Dickson said workers on site had accidentally struck a gas pipe.

“They’ve basically hit a gas main,” he said.

“It’s safe for now - we’re just waiting until a specialised gas maintenance crew arrives from Warrnambool to isolate the leak and fix it.”

 The streets that were closed off for the best part of Monday included Brown Street from Lonsdale to Collins Streets, Milton Street between Collins Street and Market Place, Dryden Street between Collins Street and Market Place, and Market Place, to keep the community safe.

“Hamilton and North Hamilton CFA brigades attended,” Mr Dickson said.

“There might be a smell of gas in the air for around six to 12 hours.”