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Councillors back battery campaign after major fires

By Connor Steel

GOSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL have officially backed a national campaign that calls for a greater safety around the use of lithium batteries after a meeting held earlier this week; which follows two major fires across this immediate area over recent months that were believed to have been caused by this source of power and gained huge media attention.

Eight properties in Hill Park Road were severely damaged in a fire which occurred during the early evening of June 19 (Wednesday); which led to nine adults and four children being left with no accomodation. It took multiple hours for this fire to be brought under control and an investigation found it was caused by an e-scooter being charged in an address.

Lithium batteries are further believed to be the cause of a major fire that destroyed the TJ Waste & Recycling centre in Portsmouth, which involved 117 tonnes of rubbish being alight overnight and led to big distruption. The M275 was shut for all vehicles on July 6 / 7 as thick smoke billowed low across the carriageways and led to visability issues for drivers.

Councillors participated in a full council meeting held on July 17 and saw members support a new motion that is part of a ‘Parliamentary Bill’ put forward by Lord Foster of Bath. The Bill calls on government MPs to introduce a law to ensure greater safety around the sale and use of of lithium batteries but it is unclear on whether this will become approved yet.

Thirteen residents across the UK have sadly lost their life from incidents involving lithum batteries since early 2020 and there have been hundreds of injuries nationwide; the two damaging fires locally helping to bring the subject to the wide attention of many. It has furthermore been supported by health and safety experts as well as most emergency services.

This motion was introduced by the Deputy Leader of Gosport Borough Council, Councillor Rob Hylands, and was soon seconded by Councillor Thomas Finn; the pair representing the Brockhurst and Privett ward where one of the fires took place. It was backed by members from the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Labour after this detailed discussion.

Residents are urged to be aware that charging lithium batteries could lead to damages and asked users to be aware of any overheating / ignition risks; which includes faulty cables and the type of surface. Other related advice was covered like using ‘genuine branded’ products and follow all instructions of manufacturers; with this link available to read online.

PICTURED BY HIWFRS: Image showing aftermath of large Gosport fire in June that led to “severe” damage to homes.