A year after fire destroyed much of Bedfordshire's flagship detention centre, politicians say they are still in the dark about what happened.

With Yarl's Wood due to re-open in April, civic leaders and people living near the centre are still waiting for answers.

The £80m centre, designed to hold 900 asylum seekers, was severely damaged on 14 February 2002.

The complex was not fitted with water sprinklers.

It is important for people round here to know Alistair Burt, MP for North East Bedfordshire

Bedfordshire MP Alistair Burt wants the government inquiry made public.

Mr Burt, MP for North East Bedfordshire, said many questions remained unanswered.

"Why were the buildings constructed as they were?

"The decision about sprinklers was made by ministers at the Home Office. Who made that decision and why?

Future of site

"Why did the building catch fire so quickly? Why were security precautions not taken for neighbours and residents near the centre?

"All this does not affect the alleged criminality of what happened on the night, but it is important for people round here to know."

Bedford MP Patrick Hall said there were unanswered questions.

"We are looking back and therefore looking ahead.

"The future of the site needs to be determined.

Criminal trials

"Another key thing is that we really do need to see the full Home Office inquiry which is pending."

The bill for the damage caused by the fire during the riot comes to almost £40m.

Criminal trials due to take begin in April could force a delay in the publication of an official report into the fire.

The centre should be ready to reopen in April.