Buncefield - 2 years on
It is now two years since the devastating explosion and fire at Buncefield rocked our town and we are still awaiting the results of the investigation – an investigation which, completely unnecessarily in my view, is being held behind closed doors.
For many – thankfully the vast majority – of us it has had relatively little impact on our lives, but incredibly, there is still at least one family living in temporary accommodation and many people have still not received compensation for damage or losses resulting from the explosion and all for something that was no fault of their own.
Smaller businesses have been hit in different ways. With a number of large office buildings rendered unusable, and subsequently demolished, the number of workers in the immediate area reduced and this had a knock-on effect for the service sector – businesses providing food, temporary staff and housing have all been affected.
For larger businesses whose premises were damaged or destroyed, life cannot completely return to normal until the HSE publishes the final investigation report. It is of particular concern that the oil companies are pushing ahead with reopening the site before we know whether prosecutions are going to be brought or what additional safety measures need to be in place.
Dacorum Borough Council has received several planning applications from the oil companies in recent weeks. The Council took the view – a view that I fully agree with – that no decision could be made without the HSE Investigation report. However, the Government has now instructed the Council to proceed with the planning applications as soon as possible.
The oil companies are putting profits before the safety and wellbeing of local people. They should not be allowed to get away with re-opening the site before compensation has been settled and before the results of the HSE Inquiry are known.
You would think super-rich oil companies would have treated the victims of the Buncefield explosion far better than they have done, especially if they are hoping to win over the local population to welcome them back as neighbours. It would have cost them comparatively little to ensure that local people had their homes properly repaired and received adequate compensation. They have missed such an opportunity and it is no wonder that local people are concerned.
Despite this, I have been considerably impressed with the resilience and determination shown by local people. I am confident that we can and will build a new and vibrant business centre at Maylands with or without the backing and support of the Government.
Happy Christmas
As the year draws to a close, it is a time for thinking about friends and families. Those of us with friends and family around us at Christmas are very lucky. I am sure you will join me in also remembering our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families and loved ones who will spend Christmas apart this year. Also please spare a thought for our dedicated emergency service workers who are working shifts over the Christmas period.
Finally, I take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. | 
