THE COMMUNITY is rallying behind devastated residents left homeless by the Valentine's Day explosion in west Oxford.

A total of 19 households in were displaced and sent to temporary accommodation in nursing homes and B&Bs across the county after the blast in Gibbs Crescent on Tuesday.

Three of those households have since been allowed to return, but due to the extent of the damage it is likely some residents will never be able to go home, as the adjoining flats may have to be completely demolished.

Now neighbours, touched by their plight, are rallying the community together to help rebuild their lives.

Anne James and her neighbour Helen Dell have started a collection of tinned foods, blankets, toiletries and towels for those 16 households still left in limbo.

Mrs James, 68, who has lived in Barrett Street for 26 years, said organising donations was the least they could do to help.

She went on: "We have a very close community in Osney and what has happened has affected all of us.

"It is absolutely awful and their lives have been completely devastated.

"It is just our little way of giving something back to them when they have been through so much in such a short space of time."

Oxford city councillor Susanna Pressel has praised the generosity of the community.

She said: "It is such a wonderful idea and I think we have all been touched by the Gibbs Crescent residents and the situation they now find themselves in.

"It just goes to show you that in terrible times there is always some goodness."

In the immediate aftermath of the blast, A2Dominion, which owns the flats, turned to the Oxford Foodbank to provide essential items for the displaced residents.

Group director of property services David Lingeman said: "To support our residents as best as we possibly could in the challenging conditions of the immediate aftermath of the explosion, we have been working together with local organisations and charities including the local food bank.

"We have delivered food packages to residents or ordered hot food to be delivered at their accommodation, and some of the sites the residents are staying at have on-site catering."

Cathy Howard from Oxford Foodbank said: "We were approached by A2Dominion and we gave them crisps, cakes and drinks.

"We are all shocked by what has happened and urge anyone to get in contact with us if they need support after what has happened.”

Oxford Community Church has also offered up to £1,000 in food parcels.

The Gatehouse in Woodstock Road, which is open Mondays to Fridays from 5pm to 7pm, is also offering free warm clothing.

To donate to the Barrett Street collection contact Mrs James on riverbank26@tiscali.co.uk or visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/westoxfordmatters-1