> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Sandyford fire recovery work progresses as support for residents continues - URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/sandyford-fire-recovery-work-progresses-as-support-for-residents-continues/ - Published: 2026-08-26T15:09:41.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-26T15:09:41.000Z - Description: Recovery work continues in Sandyford as families affected by the major fire receive housing, financial, wellbeing and practical support. - Author: The Staffordshire Signal Newsroom - Tags: Culture & Community, Local News Recovery work is continuing in Sandyford to support families and make sure the area is safe following the major fire earlier this month. Stoke-on-Trent City Council is leading the recovery effort alongside Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, community organisations, voluntary groups and other partner agencies. Several families have now moved on from emergency accommodation into longer-term housing arrangements, including council-provided accommodation. Those most affected continue to receive dedicated support from council services, including a Housing Needs Officer and the council has co-ordinated the recovery effort, helping families access accommodation, welfare and financial support while also overseeing environmental recovery, property safety and community support activities. Over the past week, recovery work has included: - Bringing key partners together to oversee support for residents and coordinate the recovery effort. - Maintaining a dedicated 24/7 helpline for affected residents, providing advice, information and support throughout the recovery process. - Members of the council’s communities team were at Goldenhill Working Men’s Club last week with MIND and Citizens Advice supporting residents and answering queries. - Continuing to support residents affected by dangerous structures, including ongoing monitoring, site safety measures and plans for the demolition of the most severely damaged property. - The communities team has been in contact with residents via phone and WhatsApp and worked with affected residents on practical issues such as Blue Badge replacements. - Providing technical and professional advice to residents on issues including asbestos remediation, property safety, environmental recovery and housing support. - Working with VAST, Citizens Advice and MIND to coordinate practical, financial and wellbeing support. - Arranging security measures at the site following concerns about unauthorised access to damaged properties. - Undertaking asbestos inspections and clearance work, alongside environmental assessments and tree safety inspections. - Coordinating street cleansing, waste management and wider environmental recovery work in the affected area. - Supporting the public appeal established through VAST to help families and households affected by the fire. - Members of the communities team met with one of the affected families, TS Domestics and Impact Stoke to discuss offers for work Following confirmation that the fire was caused by a disposable barbecue, the council’s Trading Standards team has also been carrying out checks with local retailers. A small number of retailers in the city have been found to be continuing to sell the products despite government advice to stop doing so. Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “My thoughts remain with everyone whose lives have been affected by this devastating fire. Visiting the area and speaking to residents really brings home the impact this incident has had on families and the wider community. > > "We will continue supporting residents and families for as long as that support is needed. Our teams and partners are providing practical, financial and emotional support to those affected. > > "While good progress is being made, we know the effects of this fire will be felt for some time by the people involved. > > "Anyone who thinks disposable barbecues are harmless only needs to look at the damage caused in Sandyford. Families have been displaced, homes have been damaged and a huge amout of resources have been needed to keep people safe and help the community recover.” Council officers will continue to work with residents and partner organisations as longer-term recovery work progresses. The dedicated helpline for residents affected by the fire remains available 24 hours a day on 01782 234441. Residents can also access support through Citizens Advice, MIND, VAST and other partner organisations via [www.stoke.gov.uk/supportservices](http://www.stoke.gov.uk/supportservices?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). Anyone wishing to support affected families can donate through VAST’s Stand with Sandyford appeal at [www.justgiving.com/campaign/standwithsandyford](http://www.justgiving.com/campaign/standwithsandyford?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. 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