Council 'saddened' after fire destroys caravan site

A senior council officer said the authority was "deeply saddened" after a caravan site was left badly damaged by a fire.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the Ver Meadows site near Redbourn in Hertfordshire at about 15:05 BST on Saturday.

The fire was out by 22:30, but 15 of the 18 camping pitches were hit.

Hertfordshire County Council's Scott Crudgington, deputy chief executive and executive director of resources, said he was "deeply saddened" to learn of the "devastating fire".

He added: "I would also like to reassure those affected that we at Hertfordshire County Council, alongside our partners at St Albans District Council, stand by you and will be supporting you.

"Since the fire, a range of organisations, including St Albans District Council and Hertfordshire County Council, have been working with those affected to ensure they are temporarily rehoused and their needs are met.

"We will continue to help them as they begin the gradual process of rebuilding their lives."

Redbourn Parish Council has set up an online fundraiser as it attempts to collect £5,000 for site users.

A spokesperson said the council had been "overwhelmed" with "requests from local residents to support our Redbourn traveller community".

Within two days, 115 people had donated a total of about £4,000.

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