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SURVIVORS OF THE Grenfell Tower fire were forced to leave a west London hotel with only a few hours notice.
In a letter, seen by Sky News, from Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council, survivors were asked to leave the hotel they were staying in by 4pm yesterday afternoon.
The letter left contact details to arrange alternative accommodation, but some victims said that there was no answer as to where they should go next.
The council letter said:
Despite efforts to extend your stay… regrettably the hotel has stated that they do not have availability to extend your booking. You will need to check out of this hotel by 4pm. Please contact the accommodation team as a matter of urgency to discuss your urgent options.
The Muslim Council of Britain, who have been assisting the survivors of the fire, said that some of those occupying the 20 rooms in the hotel were left unsure of where to go next.
Asif Hussain said: “When they rang the number that was written on the letter even as late as 12.30, they weren’t told, they didn’t know where they were going, they had to pack their bags, get ready to go but they didn’t know where.
They have been left completely in the lurch, completely in the dark not knowing where they are going until a taxi arrives at the hotel, taken to the taxi and at that point they know where they are going.
Hussain added that several of those forced to move said that this had already happened on several occasions since the fire.
A spokesperson for the Grenfell fire response said that the moves from the hotel were necessary because the hotel had to accommodate previous bookings.
“We obviously regret disruption to people who have already suffered,” they said, “and we are trying hard to avoid unnecessary moves.”
The spokesperson added that the victims had been accommodated in hotels in central London.
With reporting from AFP
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Witnessed the swords one myself, its terrifying in real life. Couldn’t sleep a wink after it. For all the site they deal with, the people who work on the front line are cut from a different cloth
Was there myself. Shocked at what was being passed off by some as first aid! Breathing yet unconscious individuals do not need chest compressions!!!
First Aid should be compulsory for all!
Emergency services where swift and brilliant!!!!
How many house fire deaths is that now in Oldcourt?
Tragic.
Way too many. There have been reports printed about those houses being death traps. I think 5 died in the late ’80′s(4 children) and certainly there have been 2 or 3 other serious fires there resulting in the poor residents losing their lives. Very sad.
The people of Bray now need to demand a full time Fire Service…. No excuses anymore.
Very sad news to wake up to. RIP.
Is there any reason given why wicklow (Bray) Fire Service, was not in attendance. Oldcourt is only a few hundred metres from Bray Fire Station.
they are in attendance Diver, my family live there. all emergency services are at the scene
Sorry Diver, that has been changed now. I had initially talked to the DFB about the incident but they have clarified it was Bray units at the scene.
Read the article, slowly.
DFB aren’t and weren’t there.
they we’re there and are still there! Stop gossip mongering!
I walked past the house this morning at 6.25 on my way to work, two massive fire engines, ambulance and countless Garda cars on scene! Stop commenting on things when you don’t have the facts!
Dublin Fire Brigage probably we’rent there…but Bray Fire Brigade certainly we’re and still are there.
Hi all, the first line has been changed now. I had initially talked to the DFB about the incident but they have clarified it was Bray units at the scene.
Thanks
Sinead
Bray fire. Not Dublin
Hi Brian, As I said earlier, that has been changed. I had originally talked to DFB so that’s where the confusion came from. It was changed to Bray units before 8am. Thanks!
@ Sinead O’Carroll. Looks like you have been blessed with a panel of experts on fire fighting and perhaps you could ask them for advice and suggestions ? Have they installed smoke detectors and CO alarms ? Where would they recommend placing some fire extinguishers ? Have they got a plan for getting the children and them selves out safely and quickly should they have a fire? Do they think that jumping out of a window is a good idea? Lots more to ask them while they are nit-picking headlines and minor details of on-going and breaking news.
@fognistical Brian Murray is a well respected fireman in Bray,and tragically today is also the anniversary of his fathers death,he passed away in the line of duty as a bray fireman. Thinking of all the Murrays and O Shaughnesseys today and also the Costigans
Bollox
That was a comment for fognostical!
Anyone know where exactly in Hollywell the fire occurred?
Holywell Way.
have your say