Local charities in Worksop supporting those affected by house explosion
On Saturday evening a blast destroyed one home and damaged others on John Street
We're hearing how those displaced by an explosion at a house in Worksop last weekend have been supported by charities with food boxes and toiletries.
The blast happened on John Street on Saturday evening - a man in his 50s died at the scene.
Man killed in Worksop explosion named.
While some remain out of their homes and investigations are ongoing - Oasis Community Centre has been helping those in need.
Steve Williams - the Manager - tells us more...
"Obviously the whole area was shocked by what happened, and that one man has lost his life in an explosion. A lot of people have been affected. Of course, it also has a knock on effect.
"Many people heard the explosion for miles around. It was pretty loud. So the whole thing has shaken up for the community and especially those who live in that area of John Street and Sandy Lane. It's one of the more disadvantaged areas really in the town.
"A lot of people live in houses of multiple occupation and you know they haven't got very much themselves to start with, so we, alongside others just want to help wherever we can. So far, we've given out food boxes to some of the families that are in need and we'll continue to do that.
"While people get back into their homes, those who've lost things, we'd like to help in the future to get them what they need. It's going to be an ongoing issue for some time to come."
Steve added that it's a difficult time for many and to see the scene is also terrible:
"I know people's windows and doors were blown out across the street. It's had a big effect on all of the community, really but they've been so grateful of the support.
"I think it's not just the the food items. I think they're grateful just that people are there to support them and to hear them, they're glad to have someone to talk to. Of course this has made so many quite insecure, you know, they they feel vulnerable at the moment."
Meanwhile, the council have issued advice and places you can get support.
They say that Nottinghamshire Police will continue to work at the scene, along with specialist teams, for the next few days.
An internal cordon is placed around the area of their investigation and residents whose homes are located within this cordon are not currently permitted to return to their homes.
Bassetlaw District Council Building Inspectors are working closely with Police and Fire Investigators and specialist contractors to assess the safety of the immediate buildings that were damaged by the explosion, and surrounding properties that have suffered damage as a result of the blast.
There are currently three unsafe buildings within the immediate location and the Police, Fire Service, specialist contractors and Building Inspectors are working in an extremely challenging environment.
For these reasons, residents within the internal cordon will not be able to return to their homes until all the buildings have been made safe and the Police investigation has concluded.
We're hearing that could take up to two weeks.
Bassetlaw District Council also say that they're working closely with Nottinghamshire Police to identify a window of opportunity where residents will be able to safely return to their homes to collect personal belongings and essential items.
Memorials:
An area has been created for those people who wish to leave floral tributes or other items in remembrance. This is located on the grassed area in between John Street, Sime Street and Sandhill Street.
Emergency Accommodation:
Following a Major Incident being declared on Saturday evening, 50 people were provided accommodation following the evacuation of 35 properties. Emergency and temporary accommodation for residents who are not able to return to their homes is still being provided.
Support available:
Crown Place Community Centre is open over the coming days between the hours of 9.30am and 5pm to provide support to residents who have been affected.
Specialist Housing Officers from Bassetlaw District Council will be available to provide advice and information, along with colleagues from Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, and representatives of the British Red Cross.
Food, refreshments, clothing and toiletries are being provided by local charities including Bassetlaw Food Bank and the Oasis Centre and delivered directly to the community centre.
Further Support and Advice:
If you have been affected by this incident and feel that you may need any form of help and support, the Council have listed the following organisations who may be able to help:
NHS: Contact your GP or call NHS 111 or visit www.NHS.uk
Samaritans – 08457 90 90 90
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Talking Therapies - notts-talk.co.uk
NottAlone - nottalone.org.uk
Benefits and Universal Credit – Please contact DWP on 0345 600 0723 or Bassetlaw District Council on 01909 533 533 or visit www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/benefits/universal-credit
Council Tax - We will be offering Council Tax support and advice for residents of John Street who may not currently be able to return to their home. More information will be shared when it is available.
Citizens Advice North Nottinghamshire – Support and advice on a range of issues is being provided, including dealing with landlords, benefits and debt. Residents are advised to call 0300 561 2800.
Medical Advice – If you are unable to access your home and need essential medication, please urgently contact your GP or the most appropriate medical professionals.
Nottinghamshire County Council - 0300 500 80 80 or visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk
Power and Gas supplies have been restored to the surrounding areas. Further information and advice can be found at:
Northern Powergrid – Call 105 or visit www.northernpowergrid.com
Cadent – 0800 111 999 or visit www.cadentgas.com
Road Closures:
Please be aware that road closures and a Police cordon are currently in place around John Street, Sime Street and Cresswell Road. Please check for local diversions.
Street Cleaning and Refuse Collections:
Streets surrounding John Street that are outside of the current Police cordon have been cleared of any debris by our Environment Services Team.
Recycling and refuse collections in this area will take place as normal on Thursday outside of the current Police cordon.