Thursday 14 January
17.00hrs
Staff from businesses affected by the explosion at a Bristol gas
plant have attended a meeting to share their concerns with
representatives from agencies involved in the on-going
operation.
More than 60 people were at this morning’s (Thursday) meeting
when they heard an update on the latest situation at the Whitby
Road site and were invited to put questions to the panel.
Senior officers from Avon Fire & Rescue Service and Avon and
Somerset Constabulary were joined by representatives from BOC which
owns the plant, Bristol City Council and Great Western Ambulance
Service.
Two fire appliances and a High Volume Pump remain on standby at
Whitby Road where large quantities of water continue to be used to
cool cylinders in the building. A number of small fires are still
burning at the acetylene production plant following last Thursday’s
explosion.
During the meeting representatives from local firms expressed
their frustrations over the operation which is now into its seventh
day. Part of Whitby Road remains cordoned off forcing the closure
of firms in the vicinity.
During the meeting Paul Styler, UK Head of Production for BOC,
apologised to businesses for the disruption the incident has caused
and added: “We all want to get to a point of bringing this
incident to a close as swiftly as possible, but with safety in
mind."
Speaking after the meeting, Avon Fire & Rescue Service Group
Manager Denis McCann, said it was impossible to put a timescale on
the conclusion of the incident: “We are acutely aware of the
disruption and financial implications this ongoing incident is
having on local businesses, but rest assured there are many people,
including experts from the UK and overseas, working behind the
scenes to find a safe resolution.
“This meeting was an opportunity for interested parties to put
their concerns directly to those involved with managing this
incident. While we haven’t been able to answer their questions
about how the long the incident is likely to last, I hope they went
away with a better understanding of the situation.
“The steps we have taken over the past week to cool the
cylinders has meant the cordon is at its absolute minimum level.
This has meant businesses at the Unicorn Business Park and
Avonmeads, as well as the nearby train lines can continue to
operate, but a number of firms unfortunately are within that
cordon.
“Although the situation is stable we have now initiated an
action plan which will see steps taken to begin to bring this
incident to a close.
“Some of those actions may mean we need to temporarily extend
the current cordon but I was pleased that those present today,
although frustrated, understood and appreciated the importance of
the work we have to do.”
“This morning’s meeting was extremely useful and provided
constructive feedback for all agencies involved in running this
incident. We will continue to have close dialogue with affected
firms and I have nothing but thanks for their continued support and
understanding.”
Ends