Redbourn traveller caravans hit by fire were too close together
"People could have lost their lives here," said Mr Cash.What happened could have been "like a Grenfell Tower of travellers", he added.No-one was hurt in the fire, but several dogs died.
A Hertfordshire County Council spokesperson told the BBC: "To our knowledge all of the dwellings were over six metres apart."If residents had chalets [or] caravans delivered without our knowledge, we would address this as a breach in the mobile homes act."However, by examining the concrete and metal foundations of the burnt-out properties, the BBC measured a distance of no more than 80cm (31in) between some caravans and homes situated immediately the other side of the perimeter wooden fence.The Mobile Homes Act 2013 states: "No caravan shall be stationed less than six metres from any other caravan on any other pitch."The council wrote letters to all travellers across Hertfordshire in November: "We are aware that some pitches have more than two [caravans] and we will not be forcing you to remove any."Mr Cash said the size of the pitches did not allow for six metres' clearance once a second caravan was parked on them, meaning the fire could spread quickly.The council letter, seen by the BBC, continued: "We are aware that, due to the shortage of available pitches, many families are 'doubled up'."Whilst this is not ideal, we will not be forcing families to move off the site and make them homeless."
'Close-knit'
Hertfordshire County Council manages 202 Gypsy and traveller pitches, across 11 sites.There were 35 families living on the 15 pitches that were destroyed in the blaze.Mr Cash continued: "The council won't build any new sites and they won't let us extend our own sites."He said he and his family had offered to rehome residents from Ver Meadows themselves."We are a close-knit community and we'll try and help each other the best we can."
The council said residents were "aware" of the fire safety regulations they had "signed up" to.But Mr Cash pointed out that some travellers cannot read the guidance."The people who live here pay rent and council tax just like anyone else, but because they're illiterate they can't complain or raise awareness, and they're scared to speak out or they might lose their home," he said."One lady signed a form saying that she understood the council will need to check the placement of an extra mobile home... but looking at the aerial photo, her van was right next to a neighbouring static home."
An independent report into the fire, by engineering consultancy firm Burgoynes, concluded the cause of the blaze was a "human act" but that crews faced delays in extinguishing it."There were difficulties getting appliances on to the site owing to the number of vehicles exiting via the only access road," said the report.It also said a fire hydrant on the site "did not give the flow required for dealing with a fire of such rapid development and extent".Claire Rice is from GATE Herts Gypsy and Traveller Empowerment, which is a local charity.She said conditions on the site allowed the flames to spread unchecked "until it took eight fire engines to finally bring it under control"."This isn't just about Ver Meadows," said Ms Rice."This is about a wider system that too often neglects Gypsy and traveller communities — treating their housing as temporary, their safety as an afterthought, and their voices as disposable."
A Hertfordshire County Council spokesperson said: "Sites are monitored, and advice given to residents, where caravans are too close together in contravention of fire safety regulations and the six-metre rule between caravans in the Mobile Homes Act."They continued: "We would encourage residents to advise us on when they have new caravans arriving so we can advise on whether this meets regulations."Where appropriate to do so, we have taken action to address safety concerns."The council said it was housing Ver Meadows residents at nearby hotels and was looking for alternative sites for the community.It has provided supermarket vouchers and a one-off emergency payment to residents of £200 per pitch.
Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
4 minutes ago
- The Independent
Autistic student achieves dream of going to university
A neurodivergent young woman who once doubted she could cope in a classroom is heading to university, with the dream of caring for children with additional needs. Carriad Lewis, 22, has secured a place to study early years education at Cardiff Metropolitan University after completing her Level 3 qualification in children's care, play, learning and development. Ms Lewis, from Tonyrefail, once believed she would be unable to cope in the classroom. Diagnosed with autism at 20, she struggled through school with social interaction and communication, and the idea of returning to a classroom felt overwhelming. Ms Lewis said: 'Starting college was a really big step for me, especially with my autism. 'I've always found social situations and new environments difficult, so the idea of stepping into a classroom full of people I didn't know was really daunting. 'I was nervous about whether I'd be understood or if I'd be able to cope with the demands of the course.' Despite her fears, Ms Lewis was determined to push beyond her comfort zone and praised the teachers at Coleg y Cymoedd, who she described as 'patient and kind'. 'For the first time, I felt like I didn't have to mask who I was,' she said, 'I could just be myself while learning and growing. 'That experience has given me the confidence to take the next step, and now I'm really excited to go to university and do something to make a difference for other children.' Now, Ms Lewis is looking ahead to university. She said: 'When my cousin was diagnosed with autism, it really cemented my belief that I could help others who face similar challenges. 'I want to create a nursery where all children – especially those with additional needs – feel seen, supported and safe. 'I know what it's like to grow up feeling different and misunderstood. 'I want to be the person I needed when I was younger.' Ms Lewis is not the only student at Coleg y Cymoedd who has overcome adversity to achieve their dreams of going to university. Keira Swain, 18, an aspiring filmmaker from Mountain Ash, who struggled following the death of her mother, did not think university would be an option for her. Ms Swain said: 'My mum passed away just as I was due to start college and it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to go through. 'At first, I didn't want to focus on it, so I threw myself into work as a distraction. 'But underneath it all, I was really struggling. 'I didn't think I had a future, let alone one at university.' Ms Swain said her tutors noticed her struggles and encouraged her to accept support. She said: 'I realised I could use what I'd been through to push myself harder and achieve my goals. 'I wanted to do well for my mum – to make her proud.' Ms Swain went on to thrive in her studies and is now going to study film at Aberystwyth University. Oliver Edmunds, 18, used the grief he had after losing his father as motivation for launching his own fitness brand. The Caerphilly teenager, who was 10 years old when his father died, used the gym to help him get through difficult moments. Having completed his Level 3 BTec business course at Coleg, he is preparing to launch OE Fitness, with the aim of helping others find the same mental wellbeing he did. Mr Edmunds said: 'Fitness changed everything for me. 'The gym helped me get through the hardest moments of my life and I don't know where I'd be without it. 'I think my life would look very different if my friend hadn't suggested I go with him for a session all those years ago. 'It gave me purpose, discipline, and helped me to build a support network. 'It had a really positive impact on my mental health, I now want to help others find that same strength.' Mr Edmunds was inspired to create his own business having watched his father run his own guitar shop and wants to follow in his footsteps. He said: 'After he passed away, it became even more important to me to create something meaningful and a way to honour his memory. 'Starting my own business in fitness just felt like the right fit for me.' Mr Edmunds added: 'I built a strong support network in college and I'm in the position I am today because of that. 'Without the advice and encouragement I received, I don't think I'd have had the confidence to pursue this path. 'They helped me believe in the idea and in myself.'
Daily Mail
4 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Japanese knotweed is spreading more aggressively than ever thanks to recent bouts of warm weather, expert warns
Aggressive Japanese knotweed is thriving and spreading faster than usual this summer, experts have warned. The plant, which can grow up to 10cm (4 inches) per day, is reaching its peak season. Knotweed specialists said prolonged warm weather has created ideal growing conditions, with late August and early September being prime time for flowering. The invasive plant is notorious for its huge roots which can stretch 3 metres (10ft) deep and towering bamboo–like stems which can tear through brickwork and concrete. Left unchecked, it can quickly take over gardens and cause long–term damage. Across the UK, there are now over 100,000 infestations recorded annually. Invasive plant control experts from Japanese Knotweed Specialists have urged homeowners to identify the problem early and protect their gardens at this key time of year. So, how can you tell if you need to take immediate action? The experts said key indicators to look out for in summer months are white to cream–coloured flowers which grow 6 to 15cm long, with a feathery look. Heart–shaped leaves could also be a warning sign, they said. These are broad with a pointed tip, growing alternately along the stem. You should also look out for hollow, bamboo–like stems that are green, red or purple, they warned, which form dense thickets. According to the specialists, Japanese knotweed affects an estimated one in 20 homes and can cut property value by up to 15 per cent. As well as growing deep into the ground, roots can grow 7m (23ft) sideways, making it a hazard for neighbours as well. Catching it during flowering season, when it is more visible and active, is vital, they said. Even though stems start to die back in autumn, the underground system stays ready to regrow. Acting in summer gives you the best chance to stop it returning and, if you suspect an infestation, they recommend calling in the specialists. 'During the summer, Japanese knotweed reaches its fastest, most aggressive stage of growth, expanding rapidly and becoming harder to control,' a spokesman for Japanese Knotweed Specialists said. 'Spotting and dealing with it at this time of year is vital to prevent serious structural damage and stop it spreading further. 'Professional expertise makes all the difference, from accurately identifying the plant to applying the right treatments to stop regrowth. 'With the right approach, it's entirely possible to bring it under control, protect your property and avoid costly consequences.' They warned homeowners they shouldn't assume one treatment will solve the issue, as knotweed usually needs multiple treatments over several years. Cutting, mowing or even burning the plant won't eradicate the problem, as even tiny fragments can grow. Putting knotweed in household or garden waste can even cause new infestations, they explained. And even though it may seem to disappear in autumn and winter, the roots can remain active. The UK recently endured its fourth heatwave of the summer, prolonging the period of warm, dry weather. Emily Grant, director of Environet, previously explained that knotweed's fearsome capacity for growth is being helped by climate change. 'When we first started looking at knotweed 30 years ago, it wouldn't appear until May,' she said. 'But now climate change and warmer temperatures are seeing it come through whenever the light or temperature reaches the right level – sometimes as early as February.' JAPANESE KNOTWEED HAS BAMBOO-LIKE STEMS AND SMALL WHITE FLOWERS Japanese Knotweed is a species of plant that has bamboo-like stems and small white flowers. Native to Japan, it is considered an invasive species. The plant, scientific name Fallopia japonica, was brought to Britain by the Victorians as an ornamental garden plant and to line railway tracks to stabilise the soil. It has no natural enemies in the UK, whereas in Asia it is controlled by fungus and insects. In the US it is scheduled as an invasive weed in 12 states, and can be found in a further 29. It is incredibly durable and fast-growing, and can seriously damage buildings and construction sites if left unchecked. The weed strangles other plants and can kill entire gardens.
Daily Mirror
35 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
'I could hear my dead mum celebrating with me when I opened my A-level results'
Gabrielle Morgan, 18, was among the students celebrating - she said she had kept a promise she made to her mum before she died by getting a place at Oxford University A record number of students today celebrated top A-level results across the country - with a new milestone hit for A & A* achievements. But education leaders warned of stark divides in results between different areas of the country. The regional gap widened from 7.4 percentage points to 9.2, with 32.1% of kids in London getting top grades compared to 22.9% in the north-east of England. On average across the UK, 28.3% of entries were awarded either an A or A*, up from 27.8% in 2024 and above 25.4% in 2019. This is the highest proportion on record outside the pandemic-affected years of 2020-22- when the figure peaked at 44.8% in 2021. It comes after Gordon Brown blasted the return of 'poverty of 60 years ago' as he makes one big demand. Boys took a lead over girls in the top grades for the first time since 2018, with 28.4% of boys' A-level entries scoring an A or A* this summer, compared to 28.2% of their female classmates' entries. One happy sixth-form student said she had kept a promise she made to her mum before she died by getting a place at Oxford University. Gabrielle Morgan, 18, who is from Newcastle and who achieved straight A*s in English literature, Spanish and chemistry, said: "I could practically hear her celebrating with me when the offer came through. I know just how proud of me she is and I know she helped a lot, even though she wasn't here physically." Her mum, who moved from Malaysia to the UK in her early 20s, died from lung cancer in April last year. Elsewhere Meghan Cotty, 18, from Caerphilly, celebrated two A*s and a B, which got her into the University of Birmingham to study law with business. Megan, who balanced her studies alongside working as a part-time carer, told the BBC: 'It's taken a lot of work and patience but I'm so glad it paid off. I want to be a solicitor so it's a stepping stone to get that. I am just so glad my hard work paid off.' Sam Perret, 18, from Staffordshire, received better results than he thought he would get with his A*AA. He spent 45 minutes on the phone with three universities as he went through clearing but in the end stuck with Loughborough University to study economics. He told the BBC he was going 'straight to the pub' to celebrate. Ucas said a record 439,180 applicants have gained a place at university or college - up 3.1% on last year. The number of T-level entries has increased by 61.4% on last year, while the number of A-level entries has fallen by 0.5% compared to 2024. T-levels are two-year courses, which are broadly equivalent to three A-levels, focus on more vocational subjects and offer a mix of classroom learning and industry placements. While the number of T-level entries soared, stats showed more than a quarter of students in England who started T-level courses did not complete them this summer. However the overall drop-out rate has fallen, with 73% completing the technical qualifications this summer, up on last year's 71%. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson branded yesterday a "day of celebration" for young people who have worked hard and got the results they wanted. She said: "My message to young people is that if you've got what you've needed to move on to the next step in your journey, that's fantastic. But if you haven't there's lots of support and advice that's available, either from your school or college, but also through Ucas.' She added that the "entrenched divide" in outcomes and the lack of progress for white working-class children is "concerning". Jill Duffy, chairwoman of JCQ board of directors and chief executive of the OCR exam board, said: "Regional inequalities are getting worse, not better. The gap at top grades (A*-A) has grown again. London is once again the top performing region and is now 9.2 percentage points ahead of the North East." She added: "These regional inequalities need more attention."
