South Ayrshire Council have asked members of the community to stop dropping off material support for residents affected by the Kincaidston explosion.
Two adults and two children remain in hospital following a blast in the Gorse Park area of Ayr yesterday evening.
Surrounding residents have been evacuated from their homes while two rest centres have been set up to take care of them.
In a statement on Twitter South Ayrshire Council said that while they were grateful for the support, however they are currently working with emergency services to determine who is allowed to return to their homes, and will clarify if any support is needed, and how people can contribute in due course.
READ MORE: Four in hospital and residents evacuated after explosion tears through house in Ayr
The Council is grateful for the support of the community but would ask people at this stage to stop dropping off material support at Queen Margaret Academy. We will clarify in due course if any support is needed and how people can contribute (1/6)
— South Ayrshire Council (@southayrshire) October 19, 2021
The council advised that it is working to establish a reception centre in the area for anyone returning who stayed with friends or relatives as well as those who were accommodated overnight in a local hotel.
They added that their aim was to return people to their homes as soon as possible once they are confident that the properties are safe, and the housing teams will then support residents who may still require accommodation.
READ MORE: Shocking photos show extent of Ayrshire explosion as four remain in hospital
Once they are clear on the next steps, the clean up operation will begin.
The council said that they are currently located at the Mercure Hotel working with those accommodated there and anyone else affected can contact them on 0300 123 0900.
The full statement on Twitter read: “The Council is grateful for the support of the community but would ask people at this stage to stop dropping off material support at Queen Margaret Academy. We will clarify in due course if any support is needed and how people can contribute.
“At the moment, the Council is working with emergency services to determine who will be able to return to their house and who will not due to ongoing building safety concerns.
“We are working to establish a reception centre in the area for anyone returning who stayed with friends or relatives as well as those who were accommodated overnight in a local hotel.
“Our aim is to get people back home as soon as possible but we can only do this once we are confident properties are safe. Once we know who may still require accommodation, our housing teams will work with residents to support them.
“As soon as we are clear where the inner cordon lies we will start the clear up operation which requires to be done with sensitivity due to personal effects being included among general debris.
“Council staff are at the Mercure Hotel working with those accommodated there. Anyone else affected can contact us at 0300 123 0900. Meetings are taking place this morning on a number of issues that require immediate attention. Further updates will follow these meetings.”
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