Families allowed back to their homes

RESIDENTS affected by the Shaw gas blast began to return to their homes yesterday.

Most residents of Oak Street and Gordon Street were given access. Many of the homes remained without utilities.

Oldham Council is working closely with gas, water and electricity companies to restore supplies.

Those returning were asked not to approach the cordoned area without a housing officer.

Police say the cordon is expected to remain at the scene for several more days as detectives continue investigations. The cordon is gradually being reduced as properties are assessed by structural engineers to ensure they are safe.

Police confirmed there have been incidents of residents entering the cordoned area to get into their homes.

ACC Heywood said: “This is a substantial major crime scene. It is bigger than most, we accept that, but it is still a crime scene. We understand that some residents may wish to try and get in their houses as quickly as possible, but it is a crime scene and we will have to take robust action if we see people breach the cordon.”

The first residents able to return home were numbers 87 to 95 and 58 to 108 Oak Street and all properties on Gordon Street.

The rest centre was relocated to a more central location at the Lifelong Learning centre on High Street, Shaw, which offers better accommodation with dedicated play provision for children and more confidential areas for advice and support. It will be open every day between 9am to 7pm.

An advice centre will be open in near-by Shaw Library in Farrow Street offering help with benefits, welfare and financial support from 10am to 2pm every day including the weekend.

There will also be a later advice session on Monday between 6pm and 8pm.


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