Shop local to support fire-hit town - council

More than 30 people, including a number of Ukrainian refugees, were evacuated

People are being encouraged to shop in Midhurst as the town recovers from a "dreadful" fire which tore through a historic building a year ago.

The blaze broke out in the 400-year-old Angel Inn hotel in the West Sussex town.

More than 30 people were evacuated from the building, which was housing migrants from Ukraine at the time.

A Chichester District Council spokesperson said: "Since the fire in Midhurst last year, we have been continuing to support local businesses to help them to get back on their feet and encouraging residents and visitors to support local."

The incident, which West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said was not suspicious, needed 15 fire engines and two aerial ladder platforms to help tackle the flames.

The council said: "We know how much this dreadful event impacted on the local community and businesses, and so we made sure that significant resources were directed at the town, including a package of support of over £300,000, as well as business support on the ground and through marketing activities."

David Behan, an eyewitness to the fire, said the refugees spent the night in a nearby Indian restaurant before they were taken to a leisure centre, from where they were re-homed.

The council spokesperson added: "Local residents and businesses have been resilient throughout and they have been committed to helping the town bounce back as quickly as possible.

"We will continue to champion the town, and we are confident that it will continue to go from strength to strength."