Close-knit community destroyed

THE fatal explosion on Violet Close destroyed a “close-knit” community and “drained” the city of cash and resources.

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As Reece Galbraith was jailed for causing the blast in Benwell, which claimed the life of seven-year-old Archie York and Galbraith’s friend, Jason Laws, it was revealed that the response to the tragedy cost Newcastle City Council £3.7m.

Now the authority has told how the financial and emotional impact if the explosion will be felt for many years to come.

A total of 142 residents, from 51 homes, had to be evacuated following the explosion, which happened during the early hours of October 16.

‘And the city council has now revealed more about the traumatic aftermath of the incident.