Parish Council

Tragic Event in Village

The Parish Council and our Community are deeply saddened and still in shock, by the tragic events that unfolded in our beautiful quiet village on Thursday 8th September 2022. Our thoughts and prayers go to the friends and families who knew the two women whose lives were so brutally cut short in such awful circumstances. 

 On the morning of the 8th September, Police alerted us to a gas leak in the Heath Estate area, within minutes we responded, we are so grateful to Gilbert Sparkes who opened up the Bowls Club and to Steve Williams from the Parish Council who prepared the village hall, for any families and residents who were displaced by having to evacuate their homes in a hurry. 

 We waited anxiously for any news whilst we watched a huge Police presence blocking access to the area with ambulances and fire engines. By lunchtime as the weather changed to heavy showers, we delivered sandwiches, cakes, fruit and drinks for the Police to distribute, it was the least we could do to show our appreciation to all the Police, Firefighters, and Ambulance emergency services teams who helped make safe the affected homes. We watched the air ambulance take off, it was a long worrying wait for all the local residents who were standing along the nearby streets trying to come to terms with what they knew – which was very little, until the police report was posted online much later. 

 We appreciate the Police investigation is ongoing, and will be a presence in the area over the coming days, as yet we don’t know the names of the people involved, so it feels very surreal. Rev Faith has offered the Church as a place to come and talk, have a cuppa or just be quiet and reflective – everyone is welcome. 

 The Parish Council would like to say a very big thank you to all the residents who were displaced, to the Police, Fire and Ambulance service for their professionalism. To the amazing neighbours who took people into their homes, especially the elderly, and their reassurance in helping them feel safe while the events unfolded outside. To everyone at the Bowls Club who helped and our Councilors who were there on hand to offer support and friendship. We are an amazing caring Community, who will take time to come to terms with what’s happened so close to where we all live. 

 

Renuka Baldwin – Chair of the Great Waldingfield Parish Council