Sunday marked one year since the explosion on Cleat Hill that led to the deaths of Paul Swales and Julia Harris and the evacuation of many families from their homes for what proved to be many weeks.
Richard Fuller MP said:
Sunday was a moment of reflection, with a vigil to remember the lives of those who were lost and to take stock.
It was also a moment to remember the response of our local services - Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, which responded immediately to the alarm; Bedfordshire Police who allocated officers to maintain a security cordon for many months; and most particularly Bedford Borough Council, whose staff - expertly led by Chief Executive, Laura Church, responded with care and support to house residents and provide help whenever they could.
I should also mention St Marks Church in Brickhill and many other local groups who aided people. St Marks became the hub for many during the most disconcerting weeks.
Speaking to residents last Friday, I was struck by how so very far things have returned to normal. There will be some anxieties today and also some frustrations, but life in so many ways is as it should be.
We still await the outcome of the inquest and the results of the investigations. These will come in time and we should be patient - and then be vigilant.
Sadly the response of our national government to requests for assistance with the significant extraordinary costs borne by local public services is yet to be received . This is, to say the least, disappointing and is one I cannot let pass.
Thank you to the residents affected by the explosion and all those who helped. My thoughts are with you.
