Redwood Grove residents still without permanent accommodation
The explosion in Bedford happened over four months ago
Over four months after an explosion at Redwood Grove in Bedford destroyed more than 20 flats, some of the building's former residents are still waiting for permanent accommodation.
What happened at Redwood Grove?
Emergency services were called out to an explosion and fire just after 9am on July 4th.
A three-storey block of flats was significantly damaged in the fire, which caused a large section of the roof to collapse.
One person, Reena James, lost her life. Detectives believe Ms James deliberately started the fire that targeted at a specific flat.
Police have said: "Entry was likely to have been forced into that flat, after which several areas were doused in a flammable liquid. The vapour from this accelerant became so great that, when it was ignited, it caused an explosion followed by the fire which took hold of the building.
Still without a permanent place to live
Since that initial day, some people are still without a permanent place to live.
Adrian Mazurkiewicz and his partner were at home when the fire broke out. After months of living in a hotel and now with friends, they're hoping to buy a house before the year is out.
Speaking at the site, which has now been demolished, Adrian said: "There's only this much left of my home and the memories that we built here. There's only a few supporting walls, it's a demolition site at this point. It's genuinely heart breaking and it's not a nice feeling at all to know it's gone."
According to Adrian the wider Bedford community and the council have been a great support: "There's been a great outreach to all of the residents of Redwood Grove. Quite a few people have been accommodated already in some of the council flats. I know a couple of friends from Redwood that have moved in already and have been settled."
But he acknowledged some people, like himself, have been left to their own devices: "The first few months we were living in a hotel room and, currently, I'm living with my friends. At the moment I'm feeling a little bit trapped, it's a long long wait and a difficult situation to be in. At the same time, I know we're safe and we've started rebuilding slowly.
"At the moment, I'm buying a property. I just don't feel like I can trust people, if that's the right way to put it, to live again in a flat. I've built this sort of mistrust, if you will, and I really wouldn't want to live in another flat if possible."
No word from the property management company
But while the local community has come together to support those impacted by the explosion, Adrian has said he's still trying to get in touch with the property management company: "To call it difficult is to put it quite mildly, if I'm being honest. Unfortunately we haven't heard anything, haven't been able to contact anyone for any further help or information. The only information we got from the building management company was, the building will be demolished."
Greatest Hits Radio has attempted to contact Management Company Services on a number of occasions, but received no response.
Bright future
Despite a difficult few months, Adrian remains positive about the future and hopes he will be settled in his new home before the new year.