Engineers are due to visit the site of a suspected gas explosion in West Cumbria to assess the structural damage to homes on Monday.
Three people were seriously injured in the explosion on Hugh Street, Bransty, Whitehaven, on New Year’s Eve.
The street has remained cordoned off in the incident’s aftermath and some residents have not been allowed back into their homes due to the extent of the damage.
Ward councillor Joseph Ghayouba visited the street yesterday with Karl Melville, Councillor Denise Rollo and Cumberland Council leader Mark Fryer.
Coun Ghayouba said: “Vehicles have been removed from the street and the process of cleaning up the debris and damage is underway today.
“On Monday Cumberland Council will commence structural assessments on the properties to determine extent of damage and which properties are safe or need work done before residents can move back in.
“There has been a lot of speculation online but to be absolutely clear we don’t know anything until the engineers have had a look. So please bear that in mind especially with regards to how this speculation impacts on the residents affected by this tragic incident.”
Investigations by the Health and Safety Executive and other agencies, including Cumbria police and the fire service, started on Wednesday January 1 into the cause of the explosion and are ongoing.
Cumberland Council said support continues to be provided to affected residents
Meanwhile, an appeal has been issued for a cat who is still unaccounted for following the explosion.
Animal Concern Cumbria said the pet is a black ash colour, Scottish Fold, with very distinctive features.
It added: “She’s likely very scared or possibly injured. If you have any information or have seen her please contact Animal Concern directly as we have her siblings and would like to reunite them ASAP.”
Call Animal Concern on 07712 330829.
The man and a woman are in their 70s and the other woman is in her 50s.
