Prince praises response to ‘pure horror'

PRINCE Charles flew into Hemel Hempstead on Friday to offer his support and sympathy to those still suffering from the aftermath of the Buncefield disaster.
As he met many of those involved in the response to the fire and some of those most affected by it, he spoke of the ‘pure horror' residents and business people must have felt during the ordeal.
Speaking at a reception at Peoplebuilding office block in Maylands Avenue, he said: “I can only offer you the greatest possible sympathy, particularly the residents and people running their businesses, who were so disrupted and given such a shock, which I can only imagine was pure horror.”
He added: “Speaking to you all, it quickly becomes apparent that there are really strong local partnerships in place. I think it is so encouraging to see this and to experience this.
“Obviously it is these relationships which will undoubtedly bring about sustainable and lasting solutions to all the challenges to rebuild community life.”
The Prince took time to question and chat with members of the emergency services, councillors, business representatives, the Buncefield investigation team and residents made temporarily homeless after the fire.
He praised the quick emergency response to the Buncefield disaster and the ongoing recovery effort.
He said: "I do think the emergency services deserve immense congratulations for their response to the situation as it was one of the biggest incidents to hit this country for a very long time.”
But Prince Charles, who was also affected by the disaster when a £5m distribution centre he owns through The Duchy of Cornwall was torn apart in the blast, is also concerned about the environmental impact of the fire.
According to Taf Powell, Buncefield investigation manager, the Prince wants to know where the fire fighting foam, used to extinguish the blaze, has been stored.
Among the people to meet Prince Charles was former Dacorum Mayor Jane Hogg, who set up a recovery fund to help those worst affected by the disaster, which has so far dished out more than £100,000.
Prince Charles praised the work of the council in dealing with the disaster and in helping to move on to the future.
He added: “Can I offer my added congratulations to Dacorum Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council on their immense efforts to bring about a planned and appropriate recovery and to encourage everybody to keep thinking ahead.”
Among the members of the public lucky enough to meet the Prince was Heidi Brazier, who along with husband Carl and their seven children, had to move into a hotel while their home, damaged by the Buncefield explosions, was repaired.
WHEN his helicopter touched down on wasteland next to the Esporta sport complex in Maylands Avenue, Prince Charles chose to walk to the reception to
the delight of a small crowd hoping to
catch a glimpse of him.
As he passed on the other side of the street from the crowd, closely followed by two bodyguards, he joked with his aide and waved to those keen to take his picture.