Hitchin residents invited to public meeting on health impacts of industrial centre

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

FRIDAY 17th APRIL 2026

Hitchin’s MP, Alistair Strathern, has invited local residents to a public meeting to discuss health concerns of Hitchin Industrial Centre, following a series of fires.

The meeting on a Health Impact Assessment into the industrial centre, will take place at 6.45pm on Friday 24 April 2026 at Holy Saviour Church, Hitchin, and will bring together

Key local stakeholders.

Between 2024 and 2025, there were six fires at the industrial estate, raising serious concerns among residents about public safety, air quality, and the wider health impacts of the very busy site on the local community next door.

The event follows sustained pressure from Strathern and County Councillor Ian Albert on Herts County and North Herts District Council not only to coordinate joint action to address fire risk at the site, but also to commit to the production of a Health Impact Assessment covering the entire Hitchin Industrial Centre.

The assessment is intended to better understand the effects of the site on residents’ health, from the fires, to day-to-day operations and the heavy industry traffic that goes in and out.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Alistair Strathern MP said:

“With such a big industrial site in our town, and six fires in two years, it is right that residents can hear directly from the councils about the site’s impact on people’s health.

"Working with Ian Albert and local Labour District councillors, we've been pushing the case for action. 

“We have been clear that this cannot just be about responding after fires happen – we need a full understanding of the risks and a coordinated plan to make Hitchin far healthier and safer.”

The meeting will give residents the opportunity to:

·       Ask questions about fire prevention, the industrial site’s activity and traffic

·       Learn more about the results of the Health Impact Assessment

·       Share their own experiences and concerns directly with decision‑makers

Residents from Hitchin and the surrounding area are encouraged to attend.

Meeting details:

Friday 24 April 2026

6.45pm

Holy Saviour Church Hall, Radcliffe Road, Hitchin, SG5 1QG