A LEISURE business that is literally trying to rise from the ashes has received a visit from West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin. Croft Farm Leisure Park at Bredon's Hardwick, near Tewkesbury, was hit in November last year 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 owner Alan Newell to discuss the challenges he faces dealing with the aftermath of the blaze.

She 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."

Mrs Baldwin has written to environment minister George Eustice asking him to investigate the controversial product and passed on calls by Mark Yates, chief fire officer of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, for a ban on sales.