Call for action to keep homes safe following garage blaze
08/12/2025
Councillors call for detailed plan of how to deal with the issue
There’s a fear that people’s lives could be put at risk if action isn’t taken following a fire at a block of garages on Evenlode in Banbury.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue were called to the blaze in the garages on November 22. Thanks to their quick actions it didn’t spread.
Now local councillors have written to Sanctuary Housing asking them to provide a detailed plan outlining how they intend to address the issue.
The scene of the fire was visited by Councillors Fiaz Ahmed and Dr Chukwudi Okeke. They highlighted the proximity of the garages to homes in the area, posing a significant safety risk to local people.
Councillor Paul-Austin Sargent said: “The Fire & Rescue Service did an amazing job on Evenlode.
“The design of the 1970s Ruscote Estate makes fires of this nature a constant threat, not only to the garages but also to nearby homes.
“The County and District councils and Sanctuary Housing have ignored the needs of the residents who live in this part of Banbury for too long – now is the time for a concerted, coordinated effort to put things right – removing the redundant garages would be a great first step.”
A similar fire occurred in another block of garages in the area in 2023. These were subsequently demolished.
A spokesperson for Sanctuary said: “We are taking the ongoing concerns about these garages very seriously and have already responded to queries received from the local councillors. The safety of residents is our priority and having cordoned off the affected area, we are now securing the garages to remove any hazards and prevent further incidents.
“In addition to continuing to support the police with their investigation into this incident, and we would encourage anyone with information to come forward as soon as possible, we are committed to reviewing potential options for the site and can offer reassurance that we will work collaboratively to address this issue.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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