South West Surrey MP Jeremy Hunt today hailed the blitz spirit that helped the area - particularly Godalming and Haslemere - weather some of the toughest storms in living memory. The flooding and blackout caused massive disruption in the town in the period from 23-26 December with much clearing up still to be done. But Jeremy, who was in Godalming on Christmas Eve and this week visited Turner Court and Broadwater Lodge care homes, was bowled over by the "can do" spirit of local residents in the face of overwhelming odds. "Whether it was The Mill staying open as long as they needed, Churches Together doing a gas-powered Christmas lunch or care homes keeping residents warm in bed we saw local residents at their bravest and best. I particularly want to thank emergency service, electricity and council workers who gave up their own Christmas to make sure we got power back by the end of Christmas Day."
Jeremy was himself in Shere with his family where there was also a blackout and flooding. He spoke to Surrey County Council Gold Commander Susie Kemp on Christmas Day to ask her to pass on thanks to all her team for working round the clock. As Health Secretary he visited the Royal Surrey Accident and Emergency Department on Monday 23rd December and closely monitored the performance of the whole NHS over the period.