Work begins to replace homes damaged in 2021 blast

Work has begun to replace houses damaged in an explosion in Willesborough in 2021

Work has begun to replace a row of houses that were damaged in an explosion in Kent more than three years ago.

Seven people were injured with many trapped under rubble after the blast in Mill View, Willesborough, on 4 May 2021.

An investigation later found it was caused by a leak from a portable gas heater in one of the homes.

Ashford Borough Council said work had begun on Thursday to build four new homes in the street.

Work has begun to build four new homes in Mill View, Willesborough

Two three-bedroom homes and two two-bedroom homes are to be constructed on the cleared site, where 13, 15, 17 and 19 Mill View previously stood, by contractor Jenner.

Council leader Noel Ovenden said the homes would be built with “green features and future-proof designs”.

“I'm passionate about providing genuinely affordable quality housing for everyone, so I'm thrilled that our housing team is working on a project to replace the homes that were sadly destroyed by fire,” he said.

The new homes are to be built with a focus on energy efficiency, including solar panels on roofs, and with features like straight stairs to allow a stair-lift to be installed and square shaped bathrooms in view of a wet room installation, the council added.

Building work in Mill View is expected to be completed by August 2025.

Nearby houses were evacuated after the explosion in May 2021

The explosion, which happened shortly before 08:00 BST, also caused a fire that spread through a row of houses.

Five people were taken to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford and two to London, with what would later be described as "life-changing" injuries, the council said.

Three council-owned properties and one privately owned home were badly damaged in the explosion.

Alternative accommodation was provided for the people affected.

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