West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin visited Croft Farm to show her support for the business which is literally trying to rise from the ashes following a massive fire late last year. The popular leisure facility hit the headlines when a Chinese lantern caused a fire in the caravan storage park resulting in thousands of pounds of damage. The MP toured the site and met with owner Alan Newell to discuss the challenges he faces dealing with the aftermath of the fire. Harriett has written to Environment Minister George Eustice asking him to investigate the controversial product and passed on calls by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chief Fire Officer Mark for a ban on sales. Tesco has already withdrawn Chinese lanterns from sale and Harriett has asked the Government to look into other measures to prevent lanterns being used and causing further damage to property in the future. Harriett said: “Alan and his family have been through a tremendous ordeal and I have been lobbying on his behalf in Parliament to try and prevent a repetition of such a serious incident. “But I was also keen to visit and show my support for the business and spread the message that the water park facility has not been affected and will be open for business as usual this year. “I hope that the publicity surrounding the fire at Croft Farm will persuade people to think twice before buying and using these dangerous items at celebrations. “I have also called on the National Farmers’ Union to contact their members to source other evidence of damage caused by Chinese lanterns and I hope this will be considered by DEFRA in due course.” Photo: Harriett Baldwin MP and Croft Farm owner Alan Newell.