Residents are continuing to be supported following an explosion and subsequent fire at a home in Cleat Hill, Bedford, last month, which led to the evacuation of 50 households.
Temporary accommodation is being provided to all residents who need it for as long as required. A cordon remains in place as Bedfordshire Police, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigate the cause of the explosion.
Homes in the evacuated area are being protected by patrols by Bedfordshire Police as well as officers from a private security firm provided by Bedford Borough Council, and all residents have been offered the opportunity to return home and collect essential belongings from their homes.
Bedford Borough Council is providing various support services, including financial support, an Advice and Support Centre with free digital access and a printer, and free office space with free car parking at Borough Hall. A 24-hour emergency helpline for evacuated residents has so far answered more than 330 calls, with an average waiting time of just two minutes.
Text messages have been sent every three hours updating residents from the evacuation area, with messages also being sent to residents from the surrounding area.
All partners have also been carrying out welfare checks and assessments, along with door-knocking in the wider area to ensure we understand residents’ specific needs.
Bedford Borough Council is coordinating with waste management services and the Royal Mail to help maintain waste collection and postal services.
And various organisations have been attending the public meetings since October 21, including Bedford Borough Council, Bedfordshire Police, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, the HSE, British Geological Survey, the Association of British Insurers, and the Ground Source Heat Pump Association. Residents from the evacuation area have been able to take part in the meetings in person or by via livestream, receiving information on the latest progress being able to ask questions. The most recent meeting was hosted at Borough Hall, with free parking for residents.
A spokesperson for the Bedfordshire Local Resilience Forum said; “Our thoughts remain with everybody who has been affected by the tragic incident at Cleat Hill.
“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.”