Council update as residents still unable to return home after Bideford fire

A week on from the Bideford terrace fire efforts are continuing to support homeless residents with multiple Torridge District Council departments working to help those still unable to return home.

In a detailed update, the council said 16 properties were still within the police cordon around Honestone Street, with some of the people affected staying with family and friends, while the council was still providing temporary accommodation for seven households.

Torridge District Council (TDC) said it had been working closely with the police and fire service during the past week to help displaced residents following the blaze at the three-storey terraced house on Tuesday, October 28, which saw one man lose his life.

The fire is now part of a police investigation with five teenagers and one man in his 30s arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

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The council said after receiving the initial call just after 9pm, its officers worked through the night to help accommodate 30 residents who were displaced by the fire – including finding accommodation for seven pet dogs. Temporary accommodation was secured in hotels in Bideford and Barnstaple.

Above: The three-storey terraced property in Honestone Street was badly damaged by the fire and one man died at the scene. Credit: Graham Hobbs

In a statement to the North Devon Gazette, the council said: “Before any families can return to their home the council has a duty of care to ensure that each property is structurally sound.

“Over the last couple of days, officers from our building regulations and environmental health teams have been accompanying structural engineers to identify and assess any works required. 

“A number of building surveys have taken place and some survey work is ongoing. Some safety work is required to get people back in their properties and Torridge are liaising with insurance companies and owners to get this done as soon as possible.”

The council’s environmental health team has also been dealing with other fallout from the fire, including the safe disposal of debris and hazardous materials and the general clean-up of the area affected by the incident.

There had been concern from some residents last week on social media after some pets had to be left inside properties while they evacuated.

The council statement continued: “Many of those living in the properties are pet owners. All dogs were evacuated on the night of the fire.

“Since then, we understand that all other pets have been accounted for, including the repatriation of a tortoise to its owner and a budgie who has remained in the property and has had its food supply checked and water topped up by officers who inspected the property. 

“Any residents who want to check on their animals can ask at the police cordon and the police will do their best to arrange a temporary return to the property.”

TDC Councillor Teresa Tinsley, who is the ward member for Bideford North, which includes Honestone Street, said: “When I spoke to residents who had been evacuated from the Honestone Street area on Tuesday night, I had no idea that it would be so long before they could return to their homes.

“It has been a shocking and far-reaching incident with has touched many members of the community.

“Whilst we are still trying to process what happened, it has been reassuring that council officers were able to respond with such professionalism and compassion and that the community has been so generous with fundraising and other types of support.

“I am sure that I can speak for all elected members in paying tribute, not only to the emergency services, but to all those who continue to support residents through this difficult time.”

An appeal launched by East-the-Water Community Food Pantry and North Devon man Tobias Kennedy-Matthews has raised more than £4,200 for those affected by the fire.

As well as essential food and supplies for those displaced, much donated by local people and businesses, they have provided urgent financial assistance for unexpected expenses such as cattery fees.

READ NEXT: Incredible outpouring of support in North Devon for Bideford fire evacuees

Torridge District Council said further announcements regarding when people can expect to return to their homes are expected to be announced in the coming days.

In the meanwhile, anyone needing assistance whilst the cordon remains in place, can contact the Torridge District Council homelessness team by calling 01237 428700.

The council said when people do return home, they should look out for damage to their properties and any issues caused by the incident. If there are any issues, residents should contact their insurance companies and/or their landlords in the first instance.

If you are in a rented property and have any queries about housing conditions or disrepair, you can contact the housing renewal team at Torridge for advice on 01237 428 700 (option 5). If necessary, an officer from the council can arrange to come out and inspect your home.

Torridge also offers low-cost loans for homeowners for housing repairs – to access these you can apply via www.lendology.org.uk