It’s been a very difficult week for residents of Oatridge Gardens who have been evacuated from their homes as a result of the large sinkhole that opened up under one of the houses and the road. I really feel for them all and the difficult position they find themselves in.

Several Oatridge Gardens residents have contacted me who had been in the process of selling their share of their flat and of course this sinkhole has caused them real problems. It is heartbreaking for those who had already arranged new homes to go to and new schools for their children. We are desperately trying to find a solution to this problem.

Having said that, the response of the local community has been wonderful and I have nothing but praise for the emergency services, council staff and utility companies who have been working round the clock.

Some local organisations are also worthy of particular mention. Both Tesco and Asda have offered residents clothing and school uniforms free of charge. Adeyfield Free Church has organised a free Sunday lunch event for the residents. DENS has been giving food. Other local groups have been giving help – and I’m sure I don’t even know about all the help being offered.

I was particularly impressed by the help offered by Appledown Kennels in Eaton Bray who have offered to help look after pets.

You don’t think of all the support people will need until something like this happens and it is really heart-warming to see the community coming together. For those who have asked me about an appeal, I have contacted the Chief Executive of Dacorum and I understand an announcement will be made shortly.

The sinkhole is now being filled in and geo-technical tests carried out. Once that is complete a new gas main will need to be laid. This means that the houses will be without proper heating for a few weeks and, of course, residents whose homes are directly affected will be living in hotels for some time to come sadly.

Promoting Disability Sports

In my role of Minister for Disabled People I have recently had the honour of meeting several truly inspirational athletes – as well as having the opportunity of trying out new sports. I joined Paralympic swimmer and gold medallist Ellie Simmonds at the launch of ‘Active Kids for All’ – which is sponsored by Sainsbury’s and aims to encourage the inclusion of young disabled people in PE and school sport within mainstream schools.

And at the launch of a new fund to support disability football, I took part in a penalty shootout on Speaker’s Green with England blind team players Lewis Skyers and Dan English and their coaches. The ball has a bell inside so the players know where it is. The MPs wore blindfolds and I have to admit I didn’t do particularly well!

Finally, if you’ve enjoyed supporting Team GB in the curling this past week, look out for wheelchair curling in the Sochi Winter Paralympics!

| Hemel Hempstead Gazette