A MAJOR emergency response rushed to a New Forest leisure centre following reports of a chlorine spillage.

David Lloyd Ringwood in Christchurch Road was evacuated this afternoon and casualties were treated by the ambulance service as a precaution after the reported gas leak.

Fire crews from Dorset and Hampshire, including specialist hazmat vehicles, were called shortly before 1pm on Tuesday, September 14.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Crews from Ringwood, Beaulieu and Redbridge were supported by specialist hazmat vehicles from Winchester and colleagues from across the border in Dorset and Wiltshire.

"Engines were called shortly before 1pm after a chlorine spillage and a strong smell were reported from an external plant room at the site on Christchurch Road.

Bournemouth Echo: Police cordon outside the leisure centre. Picture: Greg LuckhurstPolice cordon outside the leisure centre. Picture: Greg Luckhurst

"The centre was evacuated as three casualties were treated by South Central Ambulance Service paramedics as a precaution.

"The leak was contained by firefighters who then used monitoring equipment to check gas levels within the main building, with no dangerous gas detected.

"The stop message came in at 1.56 and most appliances have been sent back to their stations, with three crews and a specialist vehicle currently remaining on the scene."

Bournemouth Echo: Fire engines lined part of Christchurch Road. Picture: Philip DayFire engines lined part of Christchurch Road. Picture: Philip Day

Around half a dozen police vehicles are still on the scene, with the entrance to David Lloyd blocked off.

Traffic is moving in both directions in Christchurch Road following earlier reports of delays.

Bournemouth Echo: Fire engine leaves the scene of the incident. Picture: Greg LuckhurstFire engine leaves the scene of the incident. Picture: Greg Luckhurst

A David Lloyd spokesperson said: "The health and safety of our members and team is our number one priority.

"At lunchtime today our club in Ringwood was temporarily closed  due to a fault in the plant room. The fire brigade attended and have confirmed this is not a chlorine gas leak and the club is safe and will reopen shortly. 

"We’d like to apologise to our members for the inconvenience caused and thank them for their patience." 

The Daily Echo has contacted Hampshire Constabulary and South Central Ambulance Service for comment.

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