Roads and paths still closed after house explosion

Road closures will remain in place almost two weeks after an explosion and fire at a house which led to the deaths of two people.

Several roads and footpaths have been closed in Cleat Hill on the edge of Bedford, after the blast on Saturday, 19 October.

The area has been closed to traffic with motorists being asked to take signposted alternative routes.

Bedfordshire's police and fire services and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said investigations were still being carried out to determine the cause of the explosion.

Julia Harris, 84, was taken to hospital following the blast and she died on Tuesday, while Paul Swales, 85, died on the day of the explosion.

Residents were being offered support via an Advice and Support Centre, temporary accommodation has been found for 31 households, with financial support and a 24-hour helpline set up.

Belongings have been collected from 50 evacuated households, but some roads and footpaths have been closed to keep people safe and allow operations to take place.

The affected areas included:

• Footpath 25 from Oldways Road to Cleat Hill
• Footpath 58 Cleat Hill
• Footpath 26 behind the properties in Cleat Hill
• Footpath 52 Graze Hill towards Cleat Hill
• Bridleway 23 to the rear of Hamble Road to Cleat Hill
• The walkway from Rhineland Way to Cleat Hill
• The walkway from Douglas Road to Cleat Hill

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, and would like to thank everyone for their help and cooperation as we continue our investigation."

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