FIRE AT MELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

That this House regrets the fire which destroyed the headquarters of Melton Borough Council on 30th May; congratulates the Fire Service and other members of the emergency services for their prompt and professional response; expresses its admiration for the leadership of Councillor Malise Graham and councillors of all parties for their response; notes with respect and appreciation the professionalism of the council staff whose contingency plans secured the seamless continuity of council services; expresses gratitude to the local community for its support and assistance; expresses relief that the only casualty was the incineration of a much loved Victorian stuffed lion; and concludes that the overall response to a disaster of such magnitude should be seen as a matter of both credit and pride for Melton Mowbray.