What do we know about the Cleat Hill explosion in Bedford?

Since Saturday morning, several homes have been evacuated. Bedford Council said it had found accommodation for around 25 families, with others thought to be staying with family or friends.

A cordon was maintained “for the safety of the public and to allow operations to take place,” he said.

Houses on Glenrose Avenue and Wagstaff Close, outside the cordon, were also evacuated as they are accessible within the cordon.

“The effectiveness of this cordon is continually reviewed,” he added.

Starting Thursday, residents were allowed to collect some essential belongings, but only in a “controlled and supervised” manner.

Ian Simpson, who lives inside the cordon, said he had not been home since the afternoon of Saturday, October 19 and was currently living with his in-laws and only had the small amount of items taken when he left.

He said he didn’t see the incident coming, that he had felt uneasy and that it was like living in a television drama.

“The idea that your next-door neighbor could be drilling up to 120 m (394 ft) to install a ground heat pump is really scary.”

He said he wanted to make sure better regulations and controls were needed.

The council said it had been offering support, including financial help, to affected residents, had set up an advice and support center and a dedicated 24-hour emergency helpline.

“Continue to monitor the situation and manage all risks,” he added.

It is not known how long the cord could remain, but it could be several weeks.