Residents are being advised they can return home to their homes, after the lifting of the cordon around Cleat Hill.
The cordon was introduced following an incident on Saturday 19 October, affecting homes in Cleat Hill, Glenrose Avenue, and Wagstaffe Close. It has now been removed, following advice by technical experts who have been monitoring the site and carrying out risk assessment, including inside the evacuated homes.
Over the last two months significant work has taken place to allow residents to return to their homes as soon as they are able to do safely. This has involved Bedford Borough Council, Bedfordshire Police and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, working together as part of the Bedfordshire Local Resilience Forum, as well as other agencies such as the Environment Agency and British Geological Survey.
G7c Blackline Safety Methane Gas Detection Monitors have been installed in all homes that have accepted the offer, residents are being offered and recommended to take the sealing of service ducts at their homes, and individual household discussions are taking place.
In-home monitoring will take place over the next 12 months, wider area monitoring will take place into 2025, and there will be long-term, targeted monitoring conducted around the borehole to address its unique requirements.
A wide range of support has been in place for residents since the incident. This has included Bedford Borough Council providing temporary accommodation to all residents who have required it, 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.
Two people sadly died following the incident. The investigation is continuing into its cause, and an inquest has been opened and adjourned until 27 May 2025.
A spokesperson for the Bedfordshire Local Resilience Forum said; “We are extremely grateful to residents for their patience and cooperation, and we are happy to encourage them to return to their homes.
“We are continuing to offer support and advice to residents. This will include an on-site presence by the police and fire and rescue service, the 24/7 helpline, and the continuation of some temporary accommodation for residents.
“Thank you too to the wider community for their support throughout this challenging time.”