Gas blast families plea for help

One house was completely destroyed in the blast

Families who were made homeless after an explosion at Abercynon in south Wales two weeks ago claim not enough has been done to help them.

Three houses have been demolished as a result of the blast and many others are still damaged.

And residents said they were angry they still have not been told exactly what caused the explosion.

The gas supply company Transco said it was negotiating with insurance companies and has appointed a welfare officer.

Solicitor Wiljo Salen: Interim payments

Gas workers were outside the house when the explosion occurred.

One of them suffered serious burns and had to be treated in hospital.

Two weeks later four families are still being housed in temporary homes, two of them in caravans.

One local woman Julie Griffiths had returned home to look at the damage.

"Nothing is normal any more," she said.

Some of the residents were so distressed they were unable to return home.

Julie Griffiths:'Nothing is normal'

Solicitor Wiljo Salen, who represents two of the familes, said it was up to Transco to help.

"I think they should be coming forward with interim payments to enable the families to buy furniture and set up their new home," said Mr Salen.

The health and safety executive's investigation into the accident is still continuing.

The families have formed a support group to help each other through the crisis.