NEARLY 20 homes and a restaurant in the Chineham area of Basingstoke had to be evacuated last night after a car carrying three people mounted the kerb and hit a mains gas pipe.

A large section of Reading Road was cordoned off between 7.45pm and 10pm as Transco attempted to contain the resulting gas leak.

The three car passengers were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

See Thursday's Gazette for a full report.