Around 50 households are still waiting to go home more than two weeks after a devastating gas explosion killed four-year-old Sahara Salman. It comes as another 60 families were told they can return to their homes in Galpin's Road "at their own risk".
Police said it could still be "several weeks" before those with homes in the cordoned off area can return. A total of around 500 people from 200 properties were evacuated after the explosion on August 8 and last week around 50 households were able to return home.
Merton Council started to help another 60 households move back into their houses on Wednesday, but emergency vehicles can still not access the southern end of the road. The authority is in the process of building a temporary road through Mitcham Common from Commonside East to the south end of Galpin's Road in Pollards Hill.
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An update from Merton Council reads: "Residents intending to go back to their homes straightaway are advised that they return at their own risk for the time it takes to build the temporary road, because, until then, there will be no access for emergency vehicles to the southern end of Galpin's Road."
Those who have returned home will be given supermarket and takeaway vouchers as well as being offered professional cleaning and pest control. For those in the southern end of the road special arrangements have been made for rubbish collection as it still can't be accessed by vehicles.
In a statement on Tuesday, Met Police said the investigation into the incident is the "most complex investigation that any of us can remember in Merton". Police work in the road is expected to continue for several more weeks, meaning the centre of the cul-de-sac is "impassable".
In a statement, the force said: "Merton Council is building a road across the Common to allow residents to the south of where the explosion occurred, to gain access to their vehicles and properties while Galpin's Road is blocked, and for emergency vehicle access to those homes when they are reoccupied.
"We arranged over the weekend for cars to be removed from the immediate vicinity of the explosion. This is to ensure that specialist equipment needed for the investigation can gain access freely and without delay, and to avoid the possibility of damaging cars left at the scene.
"Cordons are in place to support our investigation and to keep people safe. We anticipate being able to reduce the cordon to the south of Galpin's Road when the temporary access road is built. However, while officers are working at the scene, a cordon will remain in place in the immediate vicinity. Unfortunately, people will not be able to return to their homes if they are within a cordon. The Met Police, Merton Council and other partners are working very closely to ensure disruption is minimised.
"We would like to thank residents for their support and understanding at this difficult time, as our officers work tirelessly to help us all understand the causes for the tragic explosion. Our thoughts remain with the family of Sahara and those who are in hospital."
Witnesses or those with information are asked to call the incident room on 020 8785 8244. The New Horizon Centre in South Lodge Avenue is open between 9am-7pm to support residents who have been affected.
'It felt like missiles were dropped onto our home - that's how quickly it collapsed'