People living in and near Cleat Hill, whose homes were evacuated last month (19 October) after an explosion killed two in the area, are to be asked what would help them feel safe enough to return home when the cordon around the area is removed.
Bedford Borough Council hosted the latest meeting on Monday evening (11 November), where locals heard from representatives from the Council Bedfordshire Police, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).
A cordon remains in place for the safety of the public and to allow operations to take place. Bedfordshire Police, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and HSE are actively investigating the cause of the explosion.
People from all 50 evacuated households were free to attend the meeting, which was also live-streamed online for those who could not make it in person.
Now, staff from Bedford Borough Council are set to have discussions with those locals, both individually and in groups, about ongoing monitoring of the area and homes, as well as about what reassurances they would want when returning to their homes.
A spokesperson for the Council said: “Everyone who has been evacuated from their home will have had a different experience and it’s vital that we understand what reassurances they need, both when going back to their home and moving forward beyond that.
“It’s not only important that our residents are kept safe and that we listen to them, but that they know we are listening to them.
“That’s a key reason for why we’ve had our meetings over the last few weeks, and why we are having these more intimate discussions with residents.
While work continues to get people back into their homes, they remain in temporary accommodation provided by the council or family and friends. The council also offers support with day-to-day life.
“The various support services include financial support, an Advice and Support Centre with free digital access and a printer, the offer of free office space with free car parking at Borough Hall, and a 24-hour emergency helpline,” added the spokesperson.
“We have been sending regular text updates to evacuated residents, as well as separate messages to residents in the surrounding area who sign up for them.
“We have also worked closely with partner agencies, facilitating residents to go back to their homes to collect essential belongings, with the welfare checks and assessments, and with door-knocking in the wider area.
Read: Displaced Cleat Hill residents allowed back into their homes to collect belongings
“And we have supported the patrols by Bedfordshire Police by arranging for officers from a private security firm.
“We appreciate that this has been a challenging time for residents, and we appreciate their patience, cooperation and understanding. We will continue to offer our support.”
Two killed
85-year-old Paul Swales was killed in the explosion while Julia Harris, 84, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. She died 10 days later while in hospital.
Read: Woman becomes second victim of Cleat Hill explosion
Read: Family pay tribute to 85-year-old man who lost his life in Cleat Hill explosion
In response to a resident’s claim that natural gas levels in the area were complained about but “only monitored” following an earlier leak being plugged, Bedfordshire Police said their investigation “will include reviewing any previous issues reported in the local area.”
