Community praised for response to Morriston explosion

Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart said there had been an amazing community response to support anyone who has needed it.

He said the council would continue to play its part for as long as it takes in the weeks and months ahead.

The council has set up a new community support point staffed by its Tackling Poverty team at Morriston Library where residents directly or indirectly affected by the tragedy.

The team has direct access to council services such as housing, highways and cleansing and are able to help people access advice on a range of issues including insurance and financial support.

Councillor Stewart said: "My thoughts remain very much with the family of the person who lost their life, the injured and all the other residents who have been affected by this tragedy.

"I would like to thank every single person involved in what has been a brilliant community response. The council and its partners were there for the people of Morriston at the start and I want to reassure them we'll be there for as long as it takes."

"I knew people would come together to support their fellow residents but the response has been even greater than I ever expected - it is overwhelming.

"Our council teams have been determined to play their part and have gone the extra mile to make sure the right support is in place to try to ease the distress of those affected."

Tackling Poverty Service team manager Lee Cambule said: "In the days since we set up the support point we've had residents coming in looking for advice and ideas and we've been able to help them out.

"Apart from the support on offer from the council and other agencies that we have access to, there's also space at the library where locals can meet up, have a chat and share a coffee with friends."

Meanwhile, Swansea Council for Voluntary Service is running an emergency appeal to raise funds and its teams have been contacting those affected to make payments from the fund to help tide them over.

So far more than £14,000 has been raised from donations from across Swansea and beyond thanks to individuals, businesses other organisations and schools.

Choirs in the area are coming together for a charity concert at the Tabernacle Chapel in Morriston at 7pm on Wednesday April 5 to raise money for the appeal, while other fundraising events are still being organised.

Morriston Football Club and Morriston Memorial Hall took a leading role in supporting the emergency response in the days immediately after the explosion, setting up a collection point and places of contact. The Leader of the Council is writing to them to thank them for their effort at a critical time.

Swansea Council staff have been instrumental in the clean-up operation during the last two weeks and as they cleared the roads around the site of the blast. Where possible, they've saved items of personal value they've found and returned them to families.

The council's cleansing team have also been working intensively in the area including helping to clear football pitches of blast debris at Morriston Town FC so matches can resume.

In addition, officers from the council's housing team have been working long hours to provide support and advice to those still not able to return home.

Mr Cambule said: "Alongside colleagues, SCVS and community volunteers the council has been there every day, supporting households in Clydach Road and Field Close caught up in what happened.

"They've told us they are very grateful for the kindness, generosity and practical assistance they've received so far from everyone who has pitched in at this difficult time."

Every penny raised through the appeal goes to those affected by the explosion. If you can, please contribute here: https://localgiving.org/appeal/morriston-appeal/

There is more information for residents affected by the explosion here: https://www.swansea.gov.uk/morristonsupport