Cefnogi Treforys

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, and the council is working to ensure residents can return to their homes as quickly and as safely as possible.

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.

A new community information point has been opened for residents at Morriston Library.

Anybody who wishes to discuss their needs or offer any form of assistance to the local community can visit the library between 9.00am and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday and 10.00am to 4.00pm Saturdays.

If further support or advice is needed, there is also useful information and contact numbers below.

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 since last week 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.

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.

In addition, skips are being provided shortly for community use, but should not be used for food waste which is being collected separately.

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

Please 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

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

How can I dispose of my waste and fridge/freezer contents?

See information above

I don't have insurance - how can I get help with costs?

In the first instance please contact your Local Area Coordinator and/or the SCVS donation team who can see what support they can provide.

Will I still need to pay my Council Tax if I can't live in my damaged property?

An unoccupied property may be exempt from Council Tax for up to 12 months if it requires or is undergoing major repairs or is undergoing structural alterations. If you have not already been contacted by staff from the Council Tax Team, please call 01792 635382 or email Council.Tax@swansea.gov.uk to let us know your property has been affected. We will discuss the situation with you and decide if the exemption can be awarded. We may need to ask you to provide some supporting detail and evidence but will consider that when we speak to you.

Council Tax bills for the coming financial year are currently going out to all households across Swansea and unfortunately, the process was too advanced to prevent bills being issued to affected properties. If you receive a bill and have any concerns or questions, please contact the Council Tax Team using the details above and we will help you.

We would need the addresses and an estimate (if available) of how long the work is likely to take. Please call 01792 635382 or email Council.Tax@swansea.gov.uk with the information (including an address where you can be contacted if possible) and they will make the necessary arrangements.

Who do I contact if I have a question about my child attending school whilst we are temporarily living away from our home?

The first point of contact should be your child's school. If you have a general enquiry please contact education@swansea.gov.uk or 01792 637400.

My child has become anxious and upset following the incident, who can help?

Yours child's school can offer support via the schools counselling services and also support you in accessing the Early Help Hubs.