THE cause of a petrol leak from a filling station has been established.

Fears of an explosion were raised on a shopping street when 250 gallons of four star petrol leaked from Morrison's supermarket, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, at the end of last week.

Fumes seeped into shops on Newgate Street, forcing many to close temporarily.

Morrisons said the leak was caused by a damaged pipe, and that it had been told it was safe for nearby businesses to open.

But many shopkeepers say they are still concerned about fumes in their premises.

James Curtis, from Take II Computers, Newgate Street, said the shop was only open during the afternoon, after staff had got rid of the accumulated petrol fumes.

They had to keep the doors open all day.

Safety chiefs said this was just residual petrol evaporating.

Jim Nutt, of Wear Valley District Council environmental services, said: "The leak contaminated the ground and got into the drainage system.

"The petrol station forecourt is being dug up to try and remove any saturated ground.

"We're advising shopkeepers to use sensible precautions until the smell disappears. It's just taking time to evaporate. There's no more petrol going into the ground.

"If people are still worried, they can get the fire brigade to do a check."

The Environment Agency says it found no contamination to waterways.