SOME families are still waiting to return to their homes after a devastating fire which ripped through a petrol station in the centre of Richmond.

Neighbouring homes were evacuated on Friday after the blaze in the Victoria Road petrol station owned by Harvest Energy. Fire crews worked into the night to control the blaze.

Richmondshire District Council said its officers were working with the owners to ensure safe disposal of asbestos which was blown into neighbouring gardens.

A spokesperson said: “Residents living around the site were evacuated out of their homes and taken to a rest shelter in Richmond School.

"All but four family groups have since been allowed back into their properties, it is unclear when the remaining residents will return.”

Council leader Angie Dale said:”This was a major fire but thanks to the swift action of workers at the garage and the local fire brigade it was contained to the petrol station itself. We say a massive thank you to all the emergency workers."