Last week, Richard met with the Energy Minister, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, to discuss the latest status at Cleat Hill and the implications for future regulations governing the installation of ground source heat pumps. The meeting was secured by Richard following his question during Energy Question Time last month.
Summarising the meeting, Richard Fuller MP said:
I raised issues covering a range of government departments and I am grateful that the Minister was prepared to follow up with other departments where necessary.
I made two crucial asks
1. The national government needs to step in to “underwrite” that it is safe for residents to return to their homes. I said it wasn’t fair to ask that residents assume the risks and that local agencies, despite their good work, are not really able to shoulder that responsibility either.
2. There should be funding for a comprehensive and professional assessment of the size and scope of the gas reservoir at Cleat Hill with an independent assessment of what should be done to eliminate longer term risks.
I also asked that the Government demand that East West Rail immediately cease their proposed drilling of boreholes in Ravensden and I was pleased that later that week, David Hughes confirmed that driling would be suspended until March.
For more information on the Cleat Hill gas explosion, please visit https://www.richardfuller.co.uk/campaigns/cleat-hill
Earlier this week Richard also appeared on BBC 3 Counties Radio on the Andy Collins show to discuss latest events in Cleat Hill. The full interview can be listened to at https://youtu.be/RsjzzVNzg-o?si=oYlsdCW-MkGHogK_
Richard Fuller MP said:
Residents are naturally very keen to be able to return to their homes but only if it is safe to do so. It is unfair and wrong that those wishing to return are being asked to sign a waiver as this is an abdication of responsibility by those who should be making such judgements and providing reassurance.
The requisite expertise and safeguarding apparatus doesn't really sit with the Borough Council or local emergency services, hence my call on the government to step in and do whatever is necessary to essentially 'underwrite' the safe return of residents.
Coupled to this is the pressing need for a full exploration to be carried out to establish the scope of the gas reservoir as this has a significant impact not just on residents of Cleat Hill but also the wider area. Again, this is outside the financial and technical scope of local authorities so should be accommodated by the government.
