Council bosses are yet to decide what will become of the site of the tragic Newcastle explosion which claimed two lives.
Seven-year-old Archie York and 35-year-old Jason Laws were killed in the blast in Benwell last October. Demolition work to clear what remained of the ruined properties in Violet Close has now been completed, after police concluded their investigations at the scene in December, and surrounding homes made safe to return to.
Newcastle City Council confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service this week that no decision has been made on the future use of the land. Civic centre officials said that they would consult with the West End community “when we feel the time is right”, with the trauma of the explosion still fresh in minds at the moment, and that any potential memorial would be discussed with the families of the victims.
Archie, a pupil at Bridgewater Primary School, was laid to rest earlier this week and Jason’s funeral is due to be held tomorrow [Friday, January 10].
Reece Galbraith, 33, of Rectory Road in Gateshead, pleaded not guilty to two counts of manslaughter in connection with the blast this Tuesday at Newcastle Crown Court. He also denied producing cannabis on the same date as the explosion and being concerned in the supply of cannabis, with his trial due to take place on May 12. Three other men previously arrested as part of the investigation remain on bail.
A Newcastle City Council spokesperson said: “All demolition work at Violet Close is now complete and we are progressing with removing the foundations and clearing the spoil. We will then start to bring in topsoil, before grading and levelling the site, ready for grass seeding in the spring. We expect all site works to be completed during week commencing 20th January.
“All properties within Violet Close and the neighbouring streets are safe and accessible. Structural assessments were carried out and any remedial works that were necessary were fully completed in mid-December. This meant that we were able to offer those residents who wanted to return to their home the opportunity to do so in time for Christmas.
“We also offered additional gas and electrical testing on all appliances to residents to help to give them some further peace of mind that their homes were safe. Since the on-site police investigation was completed and the site was handed back to us, we have had 24-hour security officers present as well as CCTV in operation.
“At the moment, any future plans for Violet Close have not yet been decided. Given the sensitive nature of this tragic incident, consultation on any plans will take place with the residents and the local community when we feel the time is right to do so. Any plans for a memorial will of course be considered and discussed with the families of those residents who tragically lost their lives.”
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