Councillor thanks emergency services
A leading councillor has thanked members of the emergency services who attended a serious fire at the Phoenix Hotel in North Weald on Friday night.
The Home Office operated hotel was being used as a temporary accommodation centre for people seeking asylum.
Councillor Chris Whitbread, Leader of Epping Forest District Council said:
I want to express our gratitude to the men and women of the emergency services for their skill and professionalism. A hotel fire is a daunting scenario, but I am sure the Firefighters of Essex Fire and Rescue, supported by the police and health services will have displayed the utmost skill, bravery and professionalism. Thankfully, we understand that everyone at the hotel has been accounted for.
Information on the cause of the fire is limited. Councillor Whitbread added:
No doubt Essex Fire and Rescue will be able to shed light on the cause in due course. Until then we should not speculate.
For more information please refer to Essex Fire and Rescue:
Home Office reactivates temporary accommodation
Separately, the Home Office has plans to reactivate temporary accommodation previously used for people seeking asylum. Administration of the accommodation is being handled by a private company working directly for the Home Office.
A spokesperson for Epping Forest District Council said:
We have no authority over the placement of asylum seekers or management at the accommodation in our district. We have been informed but were not consulted. However, we have expressed our concerns for the health and wellbeing of people placed in unsuitable accommodation which lacks the necessary social, medical and transport infrastructure. We have not been given timescales but appeal to the Home Office to act quickly in finding more suitable accommodation as soon as possible.
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