Work on plans to rebuild a number of flats ripped apart by a gas explosion in East Kilbride is underway.
Safety works at the Village properties are now complete, with South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) surveyors and engineers on site.
We told you previously how emergency services rushed to Main Street on May 3 after the devastating blast.
Residents told how nearby buildings “shook” when the roof was blown off the flats and windows blown in, with videos and pictures showing debris scattered across the road.
Many residents were left with nothing but the clothes on their back as they scrambled to escape.
And safety concerns meant they couldn't return the blast-damaged properties to collect any personal belongings.
Since then, the community have rallied around to help, with several fundraisers organised and a number of local organisations donating emergency supplies to residents of the 18 properties left homeless.
Frail pensioner, 73-year-old Alan McKessick, was one of those affected.
He spoke to our sister title, the Daily Record about the day of the blast and his plight to find suitable accommodation.
"I got nothing out of there but my false teeth," said Alan.
“I didn’t have a wallet or a card. I had about £27 in my pocket. My daughter sent me stuff for me to wear.
“Until it’s secure they don’t know when we’ll get back in, but it could be another year.”
Retired driver Alan's second-floor flat, which he owns, has been deemed 'structurally unsafe'.
He has been living in a cramped hotel room for the last seven weeks - provided by his insurer Tesco Bank.
Alan was told he had to move out of the hotel by Tesco but has been given a reprieve.
However, he is struggling to find suitable accommodation due to health issues.
Alan says he applied to SLC for a more accessible flat when his health began to deteriorate.
Daughter Michelle alerted SLC's social services to his plight, but despite the council liaising with the insurer she says they have been unable to secure a suitable property so far.
The council say they continue to offer "all assistance and support" and hope suitable accommodation can be found by his insurer soon.
There were fears that the blocks affected would have to be torn down but a meeting of residents and officials is due to be held next month.
SLC's executive director of housing and technical resources, Daniel Lowe, said the first phase of works to make the site safe were completed on Friday, June 18.
He added: “Surveyors and Engineers are now on site preparing the specification of works needed to reinstate both blocks and when this is complete there will be a tendering exercise.
“Following the appointment of the successful contractor we will be in a better position to provide more details on timescales.
“We aim to arrange a meeting sometime in August, when we are hopeful restrictions will allow, to which all residents and owners will be invited.
“The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the situation in more detail and to provide answers to any questions that they may have.”
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