A RECYLING centre was shut today due to fears over a potential gas leak.

Gatewarth Community Recycling Centre in Sankey Bridges was closed this lunchtime after safety concerns were raised in the area.

While the incident was initially believed to be a gas leak, contractors later confirmed following an investigation that the alarm was raised by a pocket of methane trapped in piles of waste.

A council spokesman told the Warrington Guardian that it had looked likely that the Barnard Street tip would be shut for an extended period of time.

But the site was closed for less than an hour, opening its doors again shortly before 12.30pm.