Villagers forced out of their homes after an explosion still don’t know when they can return – three weeks on.

Five homes in Lenham, Maidstone were evacuated by fire crews after a blaze near a property caused gas canisters to explode.

Twenty people were forced to flee their homes in Old School Close in the wake of the blaze on June 6.

Maidstone council has since advised residents not to re-enter their homes as the cul-de-sac has been deemed too “dangerous” and the property affected will now need to be demolished, it is understood.

More than three weeks on, residents have described the experience as traumatic and have labelled the ongoing uncertainty over when they can return a “nightmare”.

One of the villagers, Wendy Davies, has been staying with her family since the explosion on June 6.

The 75-year-old was the first resident on the scene and managed to rescue her neighbours’ dogs from their burning house.

The ex-Lloyd’s of London training administrator has been left with just two carrier bags of belongings.

She told KentOnline: “I could not sleep one hour on the night of the explosion as I was thinking about what could have happened.

“I am really relying on my son and daughter so I am lucky that I have family or I would have been rehomed in Dartford.

“It’s traumatic as we are living with the after effects.

Mrs Davies added: “Even when I get back it’s going to be noisy and dusty as they rebuild the house and I have to deal with the damage done to my ceiling from leaks from my attic.

“The plants in my garden are dead as I have not been able to water them.

“I just want to be home.”

Gemma Shorters was also forced out of her home along with her 11-year-old son.

The accounts manager had forked out more than £1000 in short-term accommodation until her insurance company stepped in and offered to pay her expenses.

She said: “I can’t get on with my life. It’s a huge burden to carry.

“I just wish this thing would go away.”

The council has said it understands that the loss adjuster has “agreed that the building should be demolished”.

A council spokeswoman previously told Kent Online that they “advise residents can only return to their buildings once the dangerous building has been made safe”.

The fire was deemed to be started accidentally after a disposable barbecue was placed in an alleyway while it was still hot and caused a bin to catch alight.

The flames then spread to a fence the house, and a gas pipe, which caused an explosion on June 5.

Homes were evacuated by the fire crews and people gathered at Lenham Social Club which opened its doors to serve teas and coffees.

Chequers Fish Bar also donated fish and chips to the misplaced group.