Most residents to return home after fatal explosion

Most residents evacuated from their properties due to a fatal explosion have been told it is safe to return home after the installation of gas monitors.

Two people died after the fire at a property on Cleat Hill, Bedford, on 19 October.

The blast happened near the source of an underground natural gas leak, which occurred during drilling for a ground source heat pump.

Bedfordshire Police confirmed a cordon in place since the explosion would be lifted at 10:00 GMT, except at the destroyed property.

Paul Swales, 85, and his sister-in-law Julia Harris, 84, died following the explosion and subsequent fire.

Fifty households within a 100m (328ft) cordon of the explosion site were evacuated. Many have been living with family and friends since, or housed in temporary accommodation by Bedford Borough Council.

The BBC understands 83 gas monitors were installed in the affected homes on 5 and 6 December.

They warn of toxic and flammable gases, including methane - the gas recently detected in the area.

Craig Austin, the council's director of environment, told residents at a public meeting on Thursday night: "We believe it's acceptable and safe to return to properties and the relevant experts agree.

"Going forward, we will continue meeting with residents... we are across the board here to provide you that support."

Steve Wilson, from the Environmental Protection Group, described the testing done around the site so far.

As a result, he said most homes were safe for occupation with the gas alarms installed, although a few homes would need enhanced monitoring in voids below the floor.

An evacuation test using the gas monitors and carried out by one household had been a success, the meeting heard, with the resident describing the system as "slick and effective" and it "made us feel much safer".

The fire service would be doing individual risk assessments for each household.

Mr Wilson also described how a 100m (328ft) borehole was sealed in November and said gas monitoring around the site would continue between 07:00 and 17:00 into 2025.

The in-home monitoring would take place for 12 months.

Mr Wilson has also recommended the sealing of all service ducts, with households to be contacted about how that will work.

The meeting was organised by the borough council and attended by fire and police representatives.

Inquests into the two deaths opened in late November at Central Bedfordshire Coroner's Court.

The coroner's report stated no causes of death had been given, pending further investigation.

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