Fire in the Town
Following the fire above Patrick’s Newsagents on Monday night, Police, Fire services, Waveney District Council and Suffolk County Council officers, County and District Councillor, Town Councillors and businesses owners met for an emergency planning meeting at the Council offices and here is an update on the current situation.
Most businesses initially affected on Tuesday are now able to open for trade, this includes; Raj Puth, Halesworth Bookshop, Halesworth Carpet Shop, Boots. Patrick’s Newsagents are operating temporarily from van Dijke Accountants. Antimacassar will be open at the weekend. District and County Councillor Tony Goldson will be investigating options for other businesses.
Sadly it is estimated that it could take up to 18 months to rebuild the property.
Once the scaffolding is in place to secure the building from any falling debris, Suffolk County Council Highways will look at opening the road for one way traffic only. Chediston Street, currently open for two way traffic, will revert back to one way traffic as soon as possible. Pedestrian access is open to the Market Place.
Police and Fire investigations are continuing, we are not able to comment any further but Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen anything, have information, photos or video evidence to contact them to support the investigation.
All the Market Place businesses are trading as normal despite the road being temporarily closed, two way vehicular access is via Chediston Street but due to the narrowness of the street you are advised to visit on foot if possible. Please continue to support these businesses if you are able to do.
We are expecting further information shortly and will update you as soon as we receive it.
In the meantime listed below are some useful contact details for anyone affected by the fire.
Phil Gore Head of Environmental Services 01394 444286 phil.gore@eastsuffolk.gov.uk
Peter Langford Emergency Planning Officer 07920 139293 peter.langford@suffolk.gov.uk
Keith Fawkner- Simpson Emergency Planning Officer 07920 139306 keith.fawkner-simpson@suffolk.gov.uk
Cheryl Willis: Economic Development 01502 523397 cheryl.willis@eastsuffolk.gov.uk
Tony Goldson County Councillor tony.goldson@suffolk.gov.uk 07808 776245