16 December 2005
In an Open Letter, Mike Penning thanks the emergency services, local authorities and volunteers for their magnificent work since the Buncefield disaster.
OPEN LETTER
As we now take stock and start to deal with the long-term effects of last week’s explosion, I want to take time out to say a big thank you to everybody who has worked so tirelessly over the past week in connection with the disaster. The fire crews, from this County and others, risked their lives over several days battling to control the largest fire seen in peacetime Europe. To work in such conditions, with the ever-present risk of further explosions, demonstrates their commitment and dedication to protecting our community.
I thank the police, ambulance service and hospital staff who have worked long hours keeping the site secure, tending to the injured and helping people come to terms with the effects on their homes and businesses.
I would like to thank everybody who helped with the evacuation and setting up of rest centres. Council workers, including those who manned the Council’s Major Incident Emergency Room, the staff at Jarman Park and the Sports Centre, hotel staff and staff at Tesco, McDonalds, Pizza Hut and Burger King. I thank also the army of volunteers from organisations such as the Red Cross and Salvation Army and the many people from other companies and organisations who helped in the crisis.
I add to that a thank you to insurance company loss adjusters who arrived within hours and also to the media for keeping us fully informed of developments and provided reassurance about the toxicity of the smoke and information about school and road closures.
I am sure I have missed many people and if I have, I apologise. If you know of someone whose contribution has been unjustly overlooked, please let me know.
This past week has been a testing time for the people of Hemel and the people have responded magnificently. I am proud to represent the people of Hemel Hempstead in Parliament and on behalf of all residents I say thank you to all those who helped our community in its hour of need.
With best wishes
Mike Penning MP
OPEN LETTER
As we now take stock and start to deal with the long-term effects of last week’s explosion, I want to take time out to say a big thank you to everybody who has worked so tirelessly over the past week in connection with the disaster. The fire crews, from this County and others, risked their lives over several days battling to control the largest fire seen in peacetime Europe. To work in such conditions, with the ever-present risk of further explosions, demonstrates their commitment and dedication to protecting our community.
I thank the police, ambulance service and hospital staff who have worked long hours keeping the site secure, tending to the injured and helping people come to terms with the effects on their homes and businesses.
I would like to thank everybody who helped with the evacuation and setting up of rest centres. Council workers, including those who manned the Council’s Major Incident Emergency Room, the staff at Jarman Park and the Sports Centre, hotel staff and staff at Tesco, McDonalds, Pizza Hut and Burger King. I thank also the army of volunteers from organisations such as the Red Cross and Salvation Army and the many people from other companies and organisations who helped in the crisis.
I add to that a thank you to insurance company loss adjusters who arrived within hours and also to the media for keeping us fully informed of developments and provided reassurance about the toxicity of the smoke and information about school and road closures.
I am sure I have missed many people and if I have, I apologise. If you know of someone whose contribution has been unjustly overlooked, please let me know.
This past week has been a testing time for the people of Hemel and the people have responded magnificently. I am proud to represent the people of Hemel Hempstead in Parliament and on behalf of all residents I say thank you to all those who helped our community in its hour of need.
With best wishes
Mike Penning MP