Work has begun to demolish the houses affected by a suspected gas explosion in West Cumbria.
Hugh Street on Bransty, Whitehaven, was rocked by the explosion on New Year’s Eve.
Three people were seriously injured.
Now Workington-based Stobbarts Ltd is working round the clock to undertake a partial demolition of the affected properties so a full assessment can be made of the structural damage caused by the explosion.
Demolition of number 28 Hugh Street and the partial demolition of 27 Hugh Street started yesterday.
Stobbarts, and G&AM Lawsons, are undertaking 24-hour shifts to complete the work as quickly as possible on behalf of Cumberland Council.
A Stobbarts spokesman said: “While carrying out the work, some personal property from the houses has been recovered to be returned to the families affected.
“Due to the confines of the area and limited space around the properties work is being carried out from mewps, using hand held tools.
“Due to the nature of the explosion the team are working in some trying conditions.
“The team are working well and respecting the people’s property with dignity, retrieving as much property to return back to the people affected as possible.”
Some of the householders affected by the incident have returned to their homes.
With the support of Cumberland Council officers, residents from 12 households were able to return to their properties last Saturday, January 11.
As a goodwill gesture Cumberland Council provided each property with a £100 Tesco voucher.
A further residents’ meeting is planned for later this week for the last remaining households that are still displaced.
Subject to the completion of the demolition work, the council hopes to support the remaining properties to return to their properties soon.
The council continues to support households that need temporary accommodation.
