The site of the tragic Newcastle explosion is still without a clear future as demolition wraps up
Newcastle: The future of the site where the explosion happened is still up in the air. Sadly, it took the lives of two people, a young boy and an adult.
Archie York, just seven years old, and 35-year-old Jason Laws lost their lives in that blast last October. Now, the demolition of the damaged buildings on Violet Close is done. The police wrapped up their investigations back in December, and the area is safe for residents to return.
This week, Newcastle City Council mentioned that they haven’t decided what to do with the land yet. They plan to talk to the West End community when the time feels right. They know the memories of the explosion are still fresh, and any memorial plans will involve the families of the victims.
Archie was a student at Bridgewater Primary School, and he was laid to rest recently. Jason’s funeral is set for tomorrow, which is a tough time for everyone involved.
In court, Reece Galbraith, a 33-year-old from Gateshead, pleaded not guilty to two counts of manslaughter related to the explosion. He also denied charges related to cannabis production and supply. His trial is coming up in May, and three other men arrested in connection with the case are still on bail.
A spokesperson from the council said all demolition work is finished, and they’re now clearing the foundations and preparing the site for grass seeding in the spring. They expect to wrap up all site work by the week of January 20th.
They assured that all homes in Violet Close and nearby streets are safe. Structural checks were done, and any necessary repairs were completed by mid-December, allowing some residents to return home for Christmas.
To give residents peace of mind, they also offered extra gas and electrical testing for appliances. Since the police investigation ended, security has been tight with 24-hour officers and CCTV in place.
As for future plans for Violet Close, nothing is set in stone yet. Given how sensitive this situation is, they’ll consult with residents and the local community when it feels appropriate. They’re also open to discussing memorial plans with the families of those who tragically lost their lives.