Two years after the explosion in Violet Close, Benwell, that killed seven-year-old Archie York, Newcastle City Council has confirmed it has still not decided the future of the site. The blast, which tore apart homes and displaced dozens of residents, also cost the council more than £3 million to respond to.
For now, a small memorial garden has been planted on the land where the flats destroyed or damaged by the drugs lab blast once stood. A council spokesperson said: “The future of the Violet Close site has not yet been decided. We know this remains an incredibly sensitive issue for former residents, neighbours and the wider community, and any future plans will be considered carefully and respectfully when the time is right. Today, we remember Archie, stand with his family, and recognise the strength, compassion and resilience shown by a community that continues to carry his memory forward.”
Archie’s Story and the Forever 7 Nature Trail
Archie’s parents, Katherine Errington and Robbie York, worked with city leaders to launch Archie’s Story earlier this year – a training resource designed to educate authorities across the country about the dangers and warning signs of illegal drug labs. A nature trail in Archie’s memory has also been opened at the Woolsington Parish Ponds, where he enjoyed spending time with his family.
The catastrophic explosion came from the flat underneath Archie’s family home, which was being used for a dangerous operation producing a concentrated form of cannabis extracted using highly flammable butane gas – with more than 100 gas bottles recovered from the wreckage. Drug dealer Reece Galbraith had been running the shatter lab alongside Jason Laws, who was also killed in the explosion, with the former jailed for 14 years.
Council leader pays tribute
Council leader Colin Ferguson said: “Two years on, Archie remains in the thoughts of people across our city. He is remembered with great affection by all who knew and loved him, and his loss continues to be felt deeply by his family, friends and the wider community.”
“In the face of unimaginable grief, Katherine and Robbie have shown remarkable courage and determination. By sharing what happened and raising awareness of the dangers of shatter labs, they are helping others recognise the risks and working to prevent other families experiencing a tragedy like theirs. From the launch of Archie’s Story to the creation of the Forever 7 Nature Trail, they have created meaningful ways for people to remember Archie and celebrate the joyful, much-loved little boy he was. Their commitment has been inspirational, and we are proud to have supported them in that work.”
