I’m sure we have all heard about the devastating fire at the Caldyne Park Estate in Rowfant, used by many using Gatwick Airport and affecting local businesses and residents. Fire crews have been at the scene damping down the hotspots and miraculously managed to contain this in such dry conditions with many tress nearby. One crew will return this evening as I write on Monday to carry out a reinspection with the hope to conclude firefighting operations afterwards.
The cause of the fire is now under investigation, and Sussex Police have arrested a 67-year-old man on suspicion of arson, who has since been released on bail.
Sadly, we understand approximately 140 vehicles have been damaged by the fire, and a number of these vehicles were parked at a site apparently used for Gatwick parking. Sussex Police have advised affected consumers to contact their parking operator directly.
I’m told vulnerable electricity customers were supported by West Sussex County Council's Resilience and Emergency Teams during the electrical shut down, and the electricity supply was fairly quickly restored.
A huge thank you to all who have been at the scene and helping. There’s been so much happening this Summer including the awful nearby derailment which is still being dealt with, and our local emergency services and first responders have bravely been at the fore front of so much in this very hot spell.
I know some residents in East Grinstead were having troubles over the last week with water supply outages and I was immediately in contact with South East Water. SE Water stated they were aware of a burst water main at Blackwell Hollow impacting East Grinstead and had technicians on site moving water around the network to limit the wide impact of the burst. They were also in contact with Queen Victoria Hospital and working to support the hospital using their fleet of tankers I was at QVH, just recently with a minor injury and was so delighted with their calm, swift support and if you see me hobbling about I am grateful for all the help and advice about taking it easy - and yes I will stick on my trainers on my return to Westminster.
What an emotional day our students had last Thursday for GCSE Results Day. My youngest was also receiving her results, so believe me, I understand how stressful it was and the pressure our younger generations put themselves under. With unemployment for our younger generations plummeting, I can understand their concerns.
Congratulations to everyone who received their GCSE results and a huge thanks to all our teachers and school leaders for their brilliant efforts in helping our youngsters thrive and give them the confidence they need for their exciting next steps.
Whatever your results say, they don’t fully define your future, the amazing person you are, or all the effort you put in to get here. And do not be too hard on yourselves if you didn’t achieve the exact results you were hoping for - be proud of how far you’ve come and focus on what is next.
A quick reminder I’ve two events in Uckfield in September - our first EGU Jobs Fair and another meet Mims Q&A, plus tours of Westminster – please get in touch with my office if you would like to join in.
