LAST Friday’s fire at the ‘Firework Factory’ was as close as Southampton has come to a major incident and we are lucky that there was no serious casualties or loss of life.

I wanted to publicly thank all those involved in dealing with the fire, which could have been so much worse but for the quick actions of the fire service. Many people were involved in helping with the aftermath, fire, police and council staff; they all worked tirelessly with a calm professionalism to maintain the situation.

I know some people were delayed and disrupted due to road closures, but in situations like these we have to be responsive and that emergency response can cause inconvenience to others.

Once again thanks to all involved for a great job well done.

Councillor Jacqui Rayment Deputy Leader Southampton City Council