PENSIONERS who were evacuated from their bungalows after a mystery gas leak have now returned – four weeks after the scare.

Residents of Fairview Road, Leek, were told there would have been an explosion if the alarm had not been raised by a passer-by.

Four families were evacuated as the National Grid carried out an investigation, although two were allowed back after their homes were vented.

The two remaining residents returned home earlier this week.

Teams of workmen have been on site 24 hours a day since the leak was reported.

National Grid are now considering compensation claims. A spokesman said: "Our priority has been to get people back into their homes."