Redwood Grove – Information Centre to open at Harpur Suite

From this morning (Wednesday 6 July) there will be an Information Centre at the Harpur Suite, in Bedford Town Centre as the Emergency Assistance Centre at the John Bunyan Centre was stood down yesterday evening (Tuesday 5 July).

The Emergency Assistance Centre was set up following the fire at a block of flats on Redwood Grove, Monday 4 July, for people who have been evacuated and need support. Everyone that attended the centre who were unable to return home were successfully accommodated and provided with food, drink and clothing, thanks to a number of donations.

The Information Centre at the Harpur Suite, operating 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, will have council officers available to continue to offer support and advice to residents from Redwood Grove.

We understand most people would rather stay with family or friends than be placed in emergency accommodation however Bedford Borough Council Housing Officers will be available at the Information Centre to give advice and arrange accommodation if required.

You can also call 01234 267422 to speak to a council officer - you will be directed to an emergency number outside normal office hours.

Bedfordshire Police have set up an information centre for people to get in report any concerns or find out about family members, please visit MIPP.police.uk or call 0800 051 6085.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said, "My heart goes out to the family and friends of all those affected by the terrible incident at Redwood Grove.

"I would like to thank Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Bedfordshire Police, East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Bedford Borough Council and everyone who have been helping residents and continue to do so.

"Bedford Borough residents have again shown their incredible generosity with a number of donations and collections for people of Redwood Grove, but we have more than enough now and cannot take any more. Thank you to everyone who has donated or called to offer their support and assistance."

Anyone that has collected donated food or other items may want to donate them to local charities where they can be used to help other people in need.