A HOUSE badly damaged in a suspected gas explosion will be demolished, the council has said.
Cumberland Council said a neighbouring property would also be partly demolished following the blast on Hugh Street at Bransty in Whitehaven on New Year’s Eve.
Three people were seriously injured in the explosion and were taken to hospital. Their conditions were critical but stable.
Residents in surrounding properties were evacuated and there are currently 11 being provided with temporary accommodation
A face-to-face meeting with residents was held by the council soon after the incident and another took place yesterday (Tuesday 7 January). Other agencies were also in attendance.
The council said work was undertaken over the weekend to clear the area of vehicles and to remove debris from the footways and carriageway. This was completed on Sunday (5 January).
The structural assessment of the affected buildings has also been completed and the area remains cordoned off.
Residents have been informed that some demolition and partial demolition work of properties is required following the explosion.
There will be a full demolition of number 28 Hugh Street and a partial demolition of 27 Hugh Street. The council said this work would start ‘as soon as practically possible’.
A council spokesman said: “The council will continue to keep in close contact with residents to provide regular updates and when safe to do so, will support residents to return to their properties.”
Welfare and emergency housing support continues to be provided by Cumberland Council.