DRIVERS are being warned to avoid Newton Abbot this morning following a gas leak. 

The leak was reported at just after 11am on the A 383 Newton Road. 

It has sparked heavy traffic backing up through the town and surrounding roads. 

Traffic is being made worse by ongoing roadworks in the area. 

A spokesman said: ‘There is a gas leak on A383 Newton Rd, Newton Abbot, the utility company is on site. 

‘Combined with ongoing roadworks, please expect long delays and use alternate routes where possible.’