The community response to the horrific fire in Pankhurst Avenue on Friday night has been amazing. With many people having lost their homes and belongings, the way in which neighbours have stepped in to support those affected has been brilliant. Thankfully all residents have been accounted for.   Huge thanks to the Fire Service for all their professionalism and to Council staff for all they’re doing to support the community.

To donate to the crowd funder that's been set up to raise money for those affected, details are online here.

If you have specific items to donate, please email pankhurstavenue@gmail.com. Due to the overwhelming response from the local community, those leading on support for residents have said that they are struggling to cope with the quantity of items being dropped off to The Edge Community Centre. Therefore, contact by email in the first instance is preferable.

Regular updates are also being posted on the Pankhurst Avenue Community’s Facebook page. If call outs for any specific items are needed, information will be posted to the page.

Brighton and Hove City Council's statement about the fire is online here: https://new.brighton-hove.gov.uk/news/2019/fire-pankhurst-avenue-updates. 

If any residents affected by the fire would like to get in touch with me directly to discuss any support needed over the coming days, weeks, and beyond, then please do get in touch: brightonoffice@parliament.uk / 01273 201130.

The Hanover and Elm Grove ward councillors are also in contact with residents, their contact details are: elaine.hills@brighton-hove.gov.uk; steph.powell@brighton-hove.gov.uk; david.gibson@brighton-hove.gov.uk. 

In the meantime, huge thanks to all of those on the ground on Friday night and over the weekend for all their efforts, both tackling the fire, and for supporting residents who have been evacuated from their homes - many of whom were clearly still in shock. I had the opportunity to speak to some of those involved on Friday night when I went up to Pankhurst Avenue myself, and I will be keeping in touch with the authorities, and residents, over the coming weeks.

In the meantime, huge thanks to all of those who have offered support to residents in the last few days.

I believe that some local fundraising events are being arranged, such as a cabaret night at the Caroline of Brunswick, and a jumble sale to raise money from some of the items donated. More information about these, along with further updates, will continue to be added to the community Facebook page.