‘Tireless’ work being done on repairing fire-hit tower block
THE ‘phenomenal’ recovery efforts following a major fire at a tower block in Gateshead were praised as the borough appointed its new mayor.
Coun Jill Green was sworn in as Gateshead’s first citizen at Friday’s annual council meeting, which began with an update on the blaze that broke out at Regent Court last week.
Deputy council leader, Coun Catherine Donovan, said that there had been a ‘fantastic’ response to a ‘challenging and difficult incident’ at the 10-storey building.
Coun Donovan, standing in for council leader Martin Gannon who is currently in hospital, added: “Since the fire in Regent Court both Gateshead Housing Company and council employees, along with contractors, have worked tirelessly to ensure properties are safe and residents can return home. The majority have returned, unfortunately 14 of the 160 properties have suffered extensive damage and residents are unable to return at present.
“Those affected are aware and have been spoken to individually. They will continue to be supported with alternative accommodation for as long as they need it.”
Lib Dem opposition leader, Coun Jonathan Wallace, said that the Grenfell disaster was in everyone’s minds during the fire last Thursday and that he would be raising the issue further at full council next week.
He also sent best wishes for speedy recovery to Coun Gannon, who is expected to miss next week’s meeting but was said to be recovering well and hoping to be back in the council chamber soon.
Coun Green, who served as deputy mayor last year, paid tribute to outgoing mayor Pauline Dillon, who was also unable to attend the meeting due to health problems.
The new mayor also thanked her parents Linda and Stuart, both of whom have served as councillors for more than 25 years, for encouraging her to enter local politics.
Coun Green, whose chosen charities to support this year are Sight Service and the Gateshead Sea Cadets, added: “I am deeply honoured, being elected Mayor of Gateshead is a great privilege and I recognise that it is a huge responsibility.”
Coun Rachel Mullen, the youngest councillor in the chamber, will serve as deputy mayor.
MAJORITY OF PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO RETURN TO HOMES