The Strand remains closed to vehicles as firefighters continue to look for the source of a suspected gas leak.

Tauranga City Council advised that the road was closed just after 10.30am.

A spokeswoman said at 1.30pm that pedestrians access was open but anyone who did not need to visit the area was advised to avoid it.

She had received no indication of when the road would reopen to vehicle traffic but said the council would let people know when it was.

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Earlier:

The Strand is closed and people have been advised to steer clear as firefighters investigate a gas leak.

Surrounding streets are also closed, Tauranga City Council said in a statement.

"We are advising people to stay clear of the area until the issue is resolved."

A reporter near The Strand said there was a strong gas smell in the area.

Traffic is being stopped at the intersection of Hamilton St and The Strand, she said.

Firefighters and contractors appeared to be opening and checking manhole covers in the footpath at the intersection.

Fire Service shift commander Paul Radden said firefighters were called to the scene at 9.45am after a report of a gas smell.

At 11am he said they were still trying to ascertain where the smell was coming from and what it was.

"There are seven road closures with vehicle and pedestrian access closed as a precaution while we look into this."

Darryl Herbert, owner of Tauranga Central Backpackers on the corner of Willow St and Harrington St, said there were "firefighters with breathing apparatus wandering around".

He said there was no gas smell near his building and his staff and guests had not been asked to evacuate. The gas smell was strongest near the McLean St intersection, he reckoned.


Street closures:

•The Strand
•Hamilton St between Willow St and The Strand
•Harington St between Willow St and The Strand
•McLean St – one-way direction reversed to keep traffic flowing