A HAXBY resident has spoken of the community spirit that is helping people cope with last month's fatal gas explosion.

Maggie Kitson said the blast, which killed Paul Wilmott and destroyed his home in Springwood, Haxby, had had a profound effect on those living nearby.

Ms Kitson spoke after Saturday's meeting, hosted by York Outer MP Julian Sturdy, which residents had requested to raise concerns and questions about the February 19 incident.

Last week, demolition work began on a house next door to the explosion site, while a further three properties may also be knocked down, it has been suggested.

Ms Kitson said: “The explosion has had a profound effect on our properties and on our day-to-day lives.

"As a community we have joined together to support one another through the ongoing insurance claim processes.

"The strength within our community has shone through and continues to play a vital role in helping residents deal with the after effects of this tragic incident.”

Representatives from the City of York Council, North Yorkshire Police, the Major Incident Response Team, Gas Safe Register and Aviva attended the meeting and answered questions from the residents.

Mr Sturdy has also recently met with both the Health and Safety Executive and Northern Gas Networks to discuss the explosion and the wider investigation.

Northern Gas Networks investigators have previously said that the blast occurred within the house and there was no fault with the integrity of the wider gas network.

It is expected that the report into the cause of the explosion will be completed in a matter of weeks rather than months.

Mr Sturdy said: “I think today’s meeting was positive for the community as it gave people a chance to ask questions and raise specific issues with organisations like the police and the council.

“Whilst I do not want to speculate about the cause of the devastating explosion, I am grateful to Gas Safe Register for coming out to speak to residents directly about the importance of maintaining boilers and having regular service checks.

“It is important that after the initial wave of interest following the incident that residents are not forgotten.

"Part of the problem is that each household has their own insurer, and I will continue to work with residents and relevant bodies to ensure that there is as much joined-up working as possible.”