Authorities say they are continuing to investigate the cause of last week's explosion in Kincaidston – seven days on from the devastating blast.
A safety cordon set up within the immediate perimeter has today been reduced to 24 homes after hundreds of properties were initially evacuated in a major operation.
However, officials admit it could be some time before householders within the immediate vicinity are able to return.
Painstaking work is being carried out to try and reduce the number of residents who are displaced from their homes.
It comes with a family of four still hospitalised – two of whom are in a critical condition.
A mother, aged 43, and her 16-year-old-son are fighting for their lives in the wake of last week's explosion.
A spokesperson from South Ayrshire Council confirmed this afternoon that work was ongoing to try and return as many remaining residents to their homes as possible.
They said: "Over the weekend, officers from property maintenance carried out initial essential maintenance on the exterior of the homes between the inner and outer cordon.
"This included ensuring that windows and doors were closed and locked or, if necessary, temporarily boarded up. Work was also carried out on the roofs of properties to ensure they were protected from rain.
"From tomorrow morning, officers from Building Standards and property maintenance, accompanied by Police Scotland, will begin internal inspections of 24 properties which are currently within this area.
"The purpose of the inspection is to identify if the property is accessible for further assessment by insurers and to permit householders to gain access.
"The investigation is still ongoing and the site is still under the control of Police Scotland."
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