Some properties in New Ferry in the police cordon since last Saturday’s explosion will shortly be accessible again to occupiers.

While an area around the scene of the blast remains in a reduced cordon, residents or businesses in properties a little further away will able to be gain access from this afternoon.

The addresses that this affects are as follows:

• Even numbered addresses 2 to 30 Bebington Road. 

• Odd numbered addresses 1 to 13 Bebington Road.

• Odd numbered addresses 13 to 35 Boundary Road. 

The council is in the process of making direct contact with as many of the occupiers as possible to inform them of what they need to do to ensure their return, which will be subject to a brief safety inspection of the interior of their property.

Agencies are working to reduce the cordon further in the next 12 to 24 hours so that those in odd numbers 15 to 33 Bebington Road and even numbers 32 to 46 Bebington Road can also return to their premises.

The council will attempt to make contact with them "in due course."

David Ball, who is leading the recovery phase of this incident for the council, said: “I know all the agencies involved very much appreciate the patience and support of residents and business owners as we continue our work in the aftermath of the explosion last Saturday.

“I’m sure those who are still unable to access their properties and possessions understand the need to keep a cordon in place while the investigation continues and we will remain in regular contact with those affected to provide them with updates and help them find any further support they might need.”

The cordon around the immediate scene remains in place as Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, Wirral Council, the Health and Safety Inspectorate and National Grid continue to jointly investigate the cause of the explosion.

A support hub for residents and businesses directly affected by Saturday night’s explosion has opened in New Ferry Village Hall.

The drop-in centre at Gover Road will operate on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week, from 10am to 4pm.