The Grenfell Tower fire has shocked the whole country and affected us all deeply. Our thoughts are with all those families affected and yesterday a minute’s silence was held in Stevenage town centre to remember the victims. This is especially distressing for our town, as the 2005 fire in Harrow Court claimed the lives of two brave firefighters and a resident.
Stephen McPartland, Member of Parliament for Stevenage, said "I was shocked when I saw the images of the Grenfell Tower fire and my thoughts are with all those families affected and brave emergency services who fought so hard to save so many lives. Often putting their own lives at risk, alongside brave members of the community. Their actions show the very best of our community spirit and compassion.
"Locally, this brings back difficult memories of the 2005 Harrow Court fire when two brave firefighters and a resident lost their lives. It is understandable that local people are seeking reassurance and I asked senior members of Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service to meet me at a tower block on Monday afternoon for a fact finding visit. This included both the Chief Executive and Leader of Stevenage Borough Council.
"Stevenage Borough Council have already reached out to residents in all the tower blocks they own in the town and reassured them none have any cladding. Although we may not always agree, we work well together on anything that could affect our town. I raised a number of questions on behalf of my constituents and was reassured by both Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. I also took on board some of the points that were raised by both organisations to feed back into Government and we will work together to ensure the best service for local people. I am also delighted Stevenage fire station will be taking delivery of a 45 metre firefighting platform next month, which will be the highest in the country."
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