RESIDENTS were left in ‘shock’ after an unannounced controlled explosion in a south Cumbria town led to debris and rocks flying into people’s gardens, an MP has stated.
On Friday September 30, an unannounced controlled explosion took place at the site of a housing development in Grange off Allithwaite Road.
Residents reported that the explosion resulted in debris and rocks flying into people’s gardens.
MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, Tim Farron said: “My office has been inundated with phone calls and emails from worried residents about the controlled explosion on Allithwaite Road.
“The explosion has understandably caused huge anxiety.
“Thankfully it sounds like no one was hurt or no property was damaged, but next time we might not be so lucky.”
A spokesperson for the developer Lancet Homes confirmed no reports of injuries but said they are taking all ‘necessary measures’ to investigate the incident.
The spokesperson added: “Lancet Homes Ltd. (as developer) and Modlar Ltd. (as main contractor) are investigating reports of an incident at our housing development site at Allithwaite Road, Kent's Bank, on the afternoon of Friday 27th September.
“A specialist ground works contractor was attending site that day, and they are assisting with our investigations. We take health and safety extremely seriously. The Health & Safety Executive have been informed.
“We confirm no reports of injuries, we are taking all necessary measures to investigate the incident, and to ensure the site and surrounding areas remain safe”
Mr Farron said he has written to Westmorland and Furness Council’s planning department asking them to ensure the developer does not carry out explosions without notice or safety barriers in place to minimise damage.
A spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness Council said: "We received reports of an unannounced controlled explosion at that site on Friday and we are aware that the developer has reported it to the HSE for investigation."
The Health and Safety Executive has been contacted for comment.
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