Morriston gas explosion support

The council is working alongside its partners to support residents affected by the gas explosion in Morriston on Monday 13 March.

We understand how difficult the situation is for residents who have had to leave their homes.

Here is some information for residents affected, and for people who want to donate. 

These details will be kept updated as and when more information becomes available.

Road closures

Clydach Road is now open to traffic with a three way traffic control in place.

It is unlikely that vehicle access to Field Close will be possible for a number of weeks due to the risk of falling debris. Alternative solutions to allow cars to access this road are being looked at.

Wales & West Utilities

Engineers from Wales & West Utilities (WWU), the gas pipeline and emergency service, have been on site supporting residents and are still there to continue to monitor the situation closely.

WWU teams have also been carrying out comprehensive and extensive tests to rule out any damage to the gas network as a result of the explosion. To provide further reassurance, residents have been informed by WWU home visits and letter-drops that work to replace current metal gas pipes with new plastic alternatives will start Wednesday, 22 March.   

This gas pipe replacement work is part of a wider 30-year programme delivered by WWU to keep has flowing safely and reliably across Wales.

To minimise disruption to the local community, gas replacement work has been brought forward ahead of necessary road surface repairs that will be carried out by Swansea Council at the junction of Clydach Road and Field Close.

If you have any questions about the gas work, please contact Wales and West Utilities here: 0800 912 2999 or by emailing enquiries@wwutilities.co.uk  

Returning home

A few properties remain unsafe to visit - unless you have been informed you are unable to access your home and you wish to return - you do so at your own risk but this should be subject to safety checks in conjunction with your own Insurance Providers who will have to determine safety based on individual and neighbouring properties.

You are strongly advised to get gas and electricity checks as soon as possible (ensure you call out a Gas Safe registered engineer and fully qualified electrician):

• www.gassaferegister.co.uk/ find an engineer or check the register
• www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/find-an-electrician

The properties with damage are now fenced in and a drop zone is in place to catch any debris that may fall from these.

Support from our Building Control Team

Our building control team is on hand to provide advice and support to property owners affected by the incident. We've written to owners highlighting ways in which the team can help to make sure repairs to their homes meet building regulations standards.

Any affected resident is welcome to contact a member of the team for further advice and information:

• Steve Davey - 07980 751040
• Swansea Building Control - 01792 635636
• bcon@swansea.gov.uk

Waste collection

Waste collections will go ahead in the area as usual on Mondays. Please ensure waste and recycling is out for collection by 6.00am. Residents in Field Close can put their items out for collection outside their homes.

Residents in the non-access area are asked to pile up their bags at the corner of Clydach Rd and Cwmarian where they will be collected. Please note the waste crews cannot take any debris or building materials.

Mail for affected residents

Any properties the postal team can gain access to will receive a delivery and so it is likely the residents will still see their postman on the route.

Mail for affected residents where post is undeliverable is being held at the local Customer Service Point in the Royal Mail Swansea Delivery Office.

Residents will have to bring ID along with them for collection. For any residents who may be displaced in the longer-term, Royal Mail will support them with redirections, which will be offered free of charge for three months. Residents who don't have ID or wish to set up a redirection are asked to call 03452 667959 for assistance.

The Swansea Delivery Office is located on Siemens Way, Swansea, SA1 1AA.

The Royal Mail website includes opening hours and other information.

Housing needs

The council will continue to provide temporary accommodation to those who need it.

Anyone who wants to discuss housing needs should also contact the council's Housing Options team. They can be contacted on 01792 533100.

Community support and offers of help

Contact your Local Area Co-ordinator

Byron Measday - Local Area Coordinator Morriston
07900 702656
byron.measday@swansea.gov.uk

Swansea Council for Voluntary Service and its local partners are encouraging donations. The money raised is being used initially to provide emergency financial support to people immediately impacted by the explosion who may need to replace urgent items that have been damaged or destroyed, and longer term to support additional costs.
The donations page is available here

The Jac Lewis Foundation is offering to provide children and adults who may have been affected by the incident quick, easy, free access to counselling. Please complete the referral form that is on the front page of their website: https://jaclewisfoundation.co.uk, or call 07368 828515.

Useful contacts

Housing

Swansea Council  - Temporary accommodation required

• 01792 533100 (office hours)
• 01792 636595 (out of hours)

Swansea Council - Housing Support Team

• 01792 774360
• www.swansea.gov.uk/tsu

Ward members

Cllr Rob Stewart
Phone:  01792 549417
Mobile:  07717 840837
Email: cllr.rob.stewart@swansea.gov.uk
Twitter: twitter.com/Cllr_robstewart

Cllr Andrea Lewis
Phone: 07584 670061
Email: cllr.andrea.lewis@swansea.gov.uk

Cllr Yvonne Jardine
Phone: 01792 814894
Email: cllr.yvonne.jardine@swansea.gov.uk

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies
Phone: 01792 427189
Mobile:  07812 635401
Email:  cllr.robert.davies@swansea.gov.uk

Cllr Ceri Evans
Mobile: 07971 485688
Email: cllr.ceri.evans@swansea.gov.uk

Local Area Coordinator

Byron Measday
Local Area Coordinator Morriston
07900 702656
byron.measday@swansea.gov.uk

Neighbourhood Support Unit - for Housing related matters

• 01792 648507 (24/7)

Education  

General enquiries: 

• 01792 637400
• education@swansea.gov.uk

Emergency issues

• 07525 217943

Social Services - for support needs

Emergency Duty Team

• edt.edt@swansea.gov.uk
• 01792 775501

National Grid - Electricity

0800 096 3080 (out of hours)

Emergencies at all times is 105

National Gas Emergency Line

0800 111 999 -  24 / 7

Report the smell of gas - a specialist will attend within an hour to undertake numerous safety checks.

Highways 

24hr contact for Highways issues: 

• 01792 843330
• highways@swansea.gov.uk

SCVS

Enquiries about the Morriston Donation Fund or offers of support

Monday-Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm

• scvs@scvs.org.uk
• 01792 544000  

Regular information updates on social media

Swansea Council Facebook - www.facebook.com/swanseacitycouncil               

Swansea Council Twitter - Swansea Council (@SwanseaCouncil) / Twitter

Frequently asked questions

Can I still use the library as normal?

The library is open for business as usual and will continue to serve the wider needs of the community. Any residents impacted by the gas explosion can still come to the library just to sit in peace, read a book or enjoy a tea or coffee. Morriston Library is one of our Swansea Spaces, you can find out more about other safe, warm and welcoming places from our Swansea Spaces directory.

How can I help out my community?

The main way we are asking people in the community to help those affected by the gas explosion incident is to contribute to the appeal fund being coordinated by SCVS. You can donate to the appeal here: https://localgiving.org/morriston-appeal. 

Donations of items like food and clothing has already been undertaken and contributed to families. We understand that many local organisations and community groups may want to contribute their time to activities like clearing up but there will be more information on any relevant opportunities at the appropriate time.

I have been really affected by what happened, how can I get some help? 

We recognise that this incident will have affected people's physical and mental health so we are working with a range of partners to provide support to help people dealing with the impacts on their wellbeing. If you are struggling in any way, speak to your Local Area Coordinator, Byron Measday, via phone 07900 702656 or email byron.measday@swansea.gov.uk. 

How do I get help with the financial impact of what has happened?

Residents who have been displaced from their homes have been given guidance about the financial aspects of their situation and we are continuing to work with partners and other stakeholders to connect them to further information on issues like insurance, utilities and Council Tax.