DEMOLITION work on four properties which were decimated by a raging fire on the hottest day on record started this week.

The homes - on Woodland Drive, off Broadway - were completely gutted in the inferno, which began after a shed caught fire in the height of the 40C heatwave on July 19 before spreading.

A spokesperson for Berneslai Homes, which manages properties on behalf of Barnsley Council, said the houses ‘met all relevant building and fire safety regulations’ following an investigation.