Memorial plaque will be “securely stored” when former GP surgery is demolished

A memorial plaque commemorating the efforts of a young man who died trying to save two children in a house fire will be securely stored when the building it is currently in is demolished, Caerphilly County Borough Council has promised.

At around 10.45 pm on December 29, 1989, a fire broke out on the ground floor of a two-storey maisonette in Maxton Court, Lansbury Park, Caerphilly.

Neighbour Darren Smith, aged 20, heard the cries for help from the mother living in the flat and, together with another neighbour, tried to break in through the front door.

Mr Smith managed to break through and went into the burning building in an attempt to save the two children, Geraint Lewis, aged two, and his nine-month-old sister Jade.

While the mother of the children found a way out, the neighbour and Mr Smith became separated in the thick smoke of the fire. The neighbour, unable to breath, came out for fresh air before heading back into the flat. As the fire grew, he was forced to leave once again.

Firefighters later found the body of Mr Smith, a security guard, and the two children.

For his efforts, Mr Smith was posthumously awarded the The Queen’s Gallantry Medal for exemplary bravery.

A plaque commemorating the tragedy and Mr Smith’s attempt at saving the lives of the children is currently in the former GP surgery on the estate.

After closing in April 2020, the council bought the building from the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and now plans to demolish it. Future plans for the site are unclear, although the council has said it will remove the plaque and keep it secured until an alternative home came be found for it.

Demolition work is expected to begin on March 28, 2022, by Kier Construction, on behalf of Caerphilly County Borough Council.

Christine Forehead ward councillor for St James, where the surgery is located, said she was “disappointed” with the decision to knock the building down.

The Labour councillor added: “I still live in hope that something better for the community will be put there.”

Prior to the decision, which was made by the council’s planning committee on Wednesday, February 9, Cllr Forehead said she hoped the building could be used as a “community hub” for residents of Lansbury Park.

Cllr Shayne Cook, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Housing, said: “Significant investment has been made into Lansbury Park over recent years as part of a targeted regeneration project, in partnership with residents. We’re committed to ensuring the local community continue to play a key role in plans for Lansbury Park and this space.”

Cllr Cook said: “We also recognise that this space has also been used as a place of commemoration for a tragedy which occurred in Lansbury Park some years ago.  We’d like to offer our assurance that the commemorative plaque currently located within the building will be professionally removed and securely stored, until an alternative location is agreed with the family and local community.”

The surgery closed following the retirement of Dr Fakande and has been vacant ever since.

Despite the health board advertising for a new GP to take over its running, no one applied for it.

The council has said it is currently exploring future options for the site and a community consultation will be happening.