To consider any communications to be submitted by the Mayor or the Chief Executive.
Minutes:
Fires at Woodland Drive
The Chief Executive reported that on Tuesday 19 July, unprecedented weather contributed to house fires at Woodland Drive in Kingstone. The Council’s thoughts were with the people who had lost their homes and belongings in the devastating fire. Alongside its partners in the emergency services and Berneslai Homes, the Council would continue to provide support to these people, making sure they received longer-term support.
She was sure that Members would join her in saying a huge thank you to staff, Berneslai Homes staff and the emergency service partners for the support they had provided and continued to provide to the people and the communities affected.
A big thank you was also extended to the residents that came together to provide aid to those affected. This really highlighted the amazing community spirit that was so visible in Barnsley.?
Councillor Wray asked to place on record his thanks to all staff, Berneslai Homes staff, the emergency services as well as local residents for the help and support provided. He also stated that local residents and businesses had raised over £25,000 to provide support for those affected.
Councillor Sir Stephen Houghton CBE stated that this had been a significant incident and some families had been devastated as they had lost everything. He praised the actions of all the agencies involved as well as the local community and expressed gratitude to all who had come together to provide support which he felt demonstrated the spirit of the town and its people. He echoed the comments of the Chief Executive and thanked Councillor Wray for his comments. He also praised the actions of staff, Bernerslai Homes staff, the emergency services and local residents in rallying together to provide support for the affected people.