Most of the remaining sections of road closed as a result of the Shrewsbury blast could reopen next week as work by National Grid continues at the site.

The blast earlier this month caused devastation in the area of Smithfield Road and Bridge Street.

Roads that remain closed are the section of Smithfield Road towards Welsh Bridge from the Roushill junction, and the bottom of Mardol.

Tim Sneddon, the council’s head of environmental maintenance for central Shropshire, said: “The road remains closed to enable National Grid to carry out essential emergency repairs at the site.

“We hope these works will be completed by early next week, subject to any unforeseen factors and the weather.

“We are hopeful that once the works by National Grid are completed we can look to reopening as much of the road as possible.”

Two of the victims of the explosion, which injured 12 people, were released from Hospital yesterday.

Scott Godbold, 23, and Sam Devine-Turner, 19, are recovering at their families’ homes after being discharged from Birmingham’s Selly Oak Hospital. Both lived in the first floor flat which collapsed in the blast.

Scott’s girlfriend Sarah Pearse and their friend Annie Davies, both 19, remain at Selly Oak. Sarah was critical but stable and Annie comfortable. Another victim, Kiley McDonnell, is stable at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

Mr Sneddon said: “We would like to stress that Shrewsbury is open for business, also, that the businesses are open on Mardol, which can be accessed from the top of Mardol as well as through Carnarvon Lane and Kings Head Passage.”