Dear Sister/Brother

ATHERSTONE ON STOUR FIRE INVESTIGATION

A few weeks ago I wrote to you with a report on the progress of the police investigation into the fire at Atherstone on Stour, and this second circular is to advise you of further developments.

We are in regular contact with the families of our four colleagues who died and the Union’s legal advisors are continuing to prepare a case for submission to the Courts on their behalf.

With one exception, all interviews with members are now completed and nearly all of the witness statements have been signed. At a meeting with the Senior Investigating Officer and his officers, a delegation from the union and our legal representatives, on Thursday 28.8.08, we were advised that the police and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) wished to conduct a number of further interviews.

We were advised that between 40– 50 members would be invited to a second interview. This would be to help clarify information in the initial statements or comment on matters which have come to light arising out of the police/HSE wider investigation. As before, these interviews will be voluntary and the members concerned will be treated as witnesses. Not all members are being requested to provide a second statement. The request will depend on the individual members’ role in relation to the incident or because the police/HSE believe they will be able to obtain the information they require without the necessity of undertaking second interviews with all members.

On this occasion the interviews will be conducted jointly by the police and the HSE. Prior to each interview a copy of the members signed first interview statement will be provide and the Union’s legal advisor in attendance will be given notice of the particular areas about which questions will be asked. The interview will not be tape recorded and it is the intension to produce a ‘supplementary’ statement for the member’s approval and signature on the day.

The Union would encourage the members requested to attend for a second interview to do so. We will provide both union and legal representation at each interview.

I anticipate these second interviews commencing in the course of the next two weeks. Once suitable venues have been identified the members concerned will be contacted by union representatives to agree a convenient date.

I will keep members advised of developments.

With kind regards.

Yours sincerely


John McGhee
National Officer
Health, Safety & Welfare
JM/jr