Government pledges support as investigations into deadly gas explosion in Bedfordshire continue
Government officials are promising to work with local authorities and experts to investigate a fatal explosion and improve safety regulations
The government has pledged to work closely with local authorities and experts following a fatal gas explosion in Bedfordshire that claimed two lives.
The incident occurred in a residential garden on Cleat Hill during the installation of a ground source heat pump, leading to questions over safety regulations and oversight.
During a House of Commons debate last night, Richard Fuller, MP for North Bedfordshire, highlighted the need for clear answers about the safety protocols that were followed between the initial discovery of an underground gas reservoir in July and the explosion in October.
He pushed for better cooperation between the government, technical experts, and regulatory bodies to ensure a similar tragedy does not happen again.
In response, Minister Rushanara Ali committed to ongoing collaboration with Bedford Borough Council and other agencies. "We are taking this very seriously," Ali stated. "I will work with relevant departments and experts to address the safety concerns raised and to consider any necessary changes to regulations."
Monitoring of the gas levels in the affected area continues, with the British Geological Society conducting regular checks to ensure long-term safety. Although recent readings have shown negligible gas levels, the government has indicated that surveillance will persist due to potential fluctuations.
The Minister also addressed the need for a comprehensive study of the gas reservoir that led to the explosion. Ali confirmed discussions with Bedford Borough Council about a possible centrally funded survey to fully assess the underground gas situation. "We are exploring options for a survey to understand the extent of the gas reservoir," she said, emphasising the goal of securing the area for returning residents.
Fuller raised concerns over current drilling regulations, specifically the lack of permitting requirements for boreholes up to 100 metres deep in residential areas. He called on the government to review these rules and apply stricter safety standards as more ground source heat pumps are installed across the UK to meet climate goals.
Ali acknowledged these concerns and promised to consult with the Ground Source Heat Pump Association and review existing guidelines. She also noted that the government would assess the possibility of expanding the application of the Borehole Sites and Operations Regulations to increase safety measures nationwide.
The economic impact on the local community, including insurance claims and potential drops in property values, was also discussed. Ali assured that the Association of British Insurers would continue to support affected homeowners and promised that the government would look into financial assistance for Bedford Borough Council under the Bellwin Scheme, which provides aid for councils dealing with emergencies.
The debate concluded with a call for clarity over when it will be safe for residents to return home, and for a full investigation into the events leading up to the explosion. Fuller stressed the importance of learning from the incident, stating, "We need a thorough understanding of what went wrong, and we need to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated."
Minister Ali reiterated the government's commitment to support local efforts, promising ongoing cooperation to address safety concerns and to restore trust in the affected community.