Richard has sent three letters to three different government Ministers relating to the gas explosion at Cleat Hill on 19 October.
Odourless natural gas was discovered on Cleat Hill in July 2024 when contractors drilled a 100 metre borehole during the installation of a ground source heat pump and seems to have been the cause of the explosion on 19 October.
Richard Fuller MP said:
With the push towards renewable energy sources and the phasing out of fossil fuels, such drilling will become more commonplace, however the regulations surrounding this appear slow to have kept pace with technology.
Richard has written to the Minister responsible to ask for a meeting to discuss whether:
- this is an isolated incident or whether natural gas deposits have been found in other locations while drilling for a ground source heat pump,
- what regulations, permits or notifications are required when drilling to such depths in residential neighbourhoods, and
- will the government consider regulatory changes in light of this tragic event.
The tragic explosion also raises serious questions about the measures that were taken back in July to safeguard residents after the discovery of natural gas during a drilling of over 100 metres for a ground source heat pump.
Richard added:
It is important that we fully understand what safety assessment was made in July as to the effectiveness of the measures taken to control the natural gas leak, and why it was deemed safe for residents to stay in their homes.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is taking a leading role in the investigation into how this explosion happened and I have written to the Minister asking what are the regulatory responsibilities of the HSE in such situations where natural gas is discovered, and what powers does it have to enforce resolutions from 3rd parties.
Finally, Richard added:
Bedford Borough Council has responded very positively and provided great support to those many households disrupted by the Cleat Hill explosion and who still have no firm timeline for when they will be able to return to their homes.
Given the significant and unbudgeted expenditure that has hit the Council as a result of this situation, coupled with the measures taken to mitigate the recent flooding, I have written to the appropriate Minister requesting financial support for the Council, and ultimately the taxpayers of Bedford Borough.
I have also asked for the government's view on the potential impact on house prices and home insurance premiums for those affected, as both are adding additional stress and uncertainty for residents at an already extremely difficult time.
The three letters can be read here at https://www.richardfuller.co.uk/sites/www.richardfuller.co.uk/files/2024-10/Michael%20Shanks%20MP.pdf, https://www.richardfuller.co.uk/sites/www.richardfuller.co.uk/files/2024-10/Sir%20Stephen%20Timms.pdf, https://www.richardfuller.co.uk/sites/www.richardfuller.co.uk/files/2024-10/Jim%20McMahon%20OBE%20MP.pdf and are attached below.
Richard was also interviewed by BBC Three Counties Radio this week where he outlines the actions he has taken. The interview can he listened to at https://youtu.be/Hbu6vSGw51s?si=pRbNISpI43eZsWJ_.
