Fire at Ringmer on 3 December

On behalf of the councillors and staff of Lewes District Council, Councillor Marina Pepper, Chair of the Council, has expressed her sympathy and condolences to those affected by the tragic fire at the Festival Fireworks Factory near Ringmer. The Council will continue to work with the rescue services to support those who have been affected by the fire.

Memorial Fund

An account has been established with immediate effect at the NatWest Bank for a Memorial Fund to be created from all donations received. 

The name of the Account is the East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Memorial Fund. 
The Bank Sort Code details are: 60.13.09 (NatWest Lewes Branch)
The Account number is: 41549392
The account is now operational.

Alternatively, cheques made payable to the East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Memorial Fund can be sent to the following address:

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Memorial Fund,
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service,
Service Headquarters,
20 Upperton Road,
Eastbourne,
East Sussex,
BN21 1EU.

Latest News and Contact Details

The Police, Fire Service and Health and Safety Executive investigations into the incident at Ringmer are still ongoing. The Council is acting in support of these agencies.

We have been working closely with the Health Protection Agency and the Environment Agency to assess whether there are any public health or environmental pollution issues arising from this incident and at present have no cause for concern, other than the direct effects of this tragedy.

We have also responded to requests from people who have been displaced from their homes for advice and assistance, and this is ongoing.

If you require further information about housing, health or environmental issues please contact the Council on following numbers:

Housing: 01273 484016
Environmental Health: 01273 484358

In addition, East Sussex County Council Social Services and MIND have set up a helpline on 01273 488660 (available during office hours) for people who have been affected by this incident and feel they would like to discuss the issues.

Ringmer road closures

The Broyle road closure is anticipated to continue for at least two weeks whilst investigations are completed at the factory. The closure extends from the junction with Half Mile Drove (about half a mile north of the mini-roundabout at the south end at Ringmer) to the Halland roundabout on the A22. Access to the Ringmer depot and the Broyle Estate is still possible from the Ringmer end of The Broyle.

Access to the A22 via Ringmer can still be gained via the B2124 Laughton Road (via Golden Cross). Alternatively, from Lewes, stay on the A26 (via Little Horsted roundabout).

See the East Sussex County Council website for more details:

The following external link goes to East Sussex County Council's Roads and Transport section
www.eastsussex.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/

The external link below goes to East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service's latest news section
www.esfrs.org/latest_news/index.htm