Hope Street

Reporter: ROBBIE GILL
Date published: 24 November 2014


HOPE is rising from the rubble of the Shaw gas blast following a submission to build six new homes on the site.

Six new houses are planned for Buckley Street, where an explosion tore through eight homes in June 2012, killing toddler Jamie Heaton.

The plans have been approved by Shaw and Crompton Parish Council, though Oldham Council will have the final say.

Richard Hesmondhalgh, the man behind the proposed development, said: “There wasn’t a parent around who didn’t live through what the Heatons went through as if it was their own son. The plan is to build six economical properties with low rent, which can be let long term, within 18 months.”

Residents are largely in favour of seeing the site used, but some believe it should be used for a memorial.

Charlotte Elson (27), who has lived on the street for six years, said: “I’m glad something is being done. Part of me thinks you shouldn’t build on the land where somebody has died, but sometimes you have to be able to move on.”

Jamie Heaton was watching television at home with his mum Michelle, who was hanging out washing at the time of the blast.

Next-door neighbour Andrew Partington, who was jailed for 10 years for manslaughter and criminal damage, was left in a coma after the incident, with 40 per cent burns and a broken back.

Partington severed a pipe leading to the property’s gas meter and one in the rear bedroom before leaving his house to fill with gas for around 11 hours.

The Jamie’s Something Special fund was set up by the toddler’s parents and has so far raised around £30,000 to improve Bullcote Park, Heyside, where Jamie took his first steps.