MP urges end to 'stand-off' over fatal explosion

Ministers have been encouraged to end a "stand-off" that is delaying residents from returning home a month after an explosion that killed two people.

MPs heard 26 households remained in temporary accommodation following the incident in Cleat Hill, Bedford, on 19 October, while 17 had made their own arrangements, such as staying with friends and family.

Conservative MP for North Bedfordshire Richard Fuller used a debate in the Commons to suggest more should be done to give people the confidence it was safe to return.

He said no agency seemed to have "the combination of expertise and authority" to do so.

"There are many residents who have considerable anxiety about a return with concerns for their safety, the safety of their children or for loved ones," Mr Fuller said.

"A major assistance in building that confidence would be for there to be an accountable, authoritative voice to, if you will, underwrite the assertion that it is safe to return."

Mr Fuller said the situation created a "stand-off" between residents and authorities about returning to the properties.

Responding for the government, housing minister Rushanara Ali said the situation was "hugely disruptive" for those involved.

She said the Health and Safety Executive had carried out an investigation at the site, with the British Geological Survey and Coal Authority also working with the local council.

Paul Swales, 85, died in the blast, with 84-year-old Julia Harris also dying from her injuries 10 days later.

It happened close to where an underground gas leak occurred in July, after a borehole was drilled to install a ground source heat pump.

Bedfordshire Police said on Wednesday it had involved the Crown Prosecution Service in its investigation into the explosion.

Ms Ali added: "The safety of residents is absolutely paramount.

"Partners are working together, taking into account the technical advice on the risk mitigations and assurances that will support the return of residents to their homes, including the usage of gas monitoring systems."

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.