Fundraiser launched to support staff living above fire-struck restaurant

Over £6,000 has been raised for the residents who were living above the Harvester restaurant in Littlehampton, which was ravaged by a 15-hour fire last week.

A GoFundMe page was launched for three people, including the general manager of the Windmill Harvester, Louise Francis, who had “lost everything” in the blaze.

It read: “We are hoping as a big community we can raise some money so they can replace some items. Fires are tragic and a lot of things are irreplaceable but with help we can try to make this a little easier on the people effected.”

A donor commented: “My son works at the Harvester Rowlands Castle and the crew there are great having had a few meals there and totally understand it will be a while before you get back on your feet but good luck in the future and hope this helps you guys.”

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service were notified of the flames at the restaurant at 8.51am on 10 August.

Upon arrival, officers were met with a fire in the kitchen that had already “spread to the roof” and asked residents to avoid the area as a result of the “large amount of smoke still in the air”.

A spokesperson from the fire service said: “At the height of the incident there were 12 fire engines, two aerial ladder platforms and two water carriers in attendance as firefighters worked hard to bring the fire under control."

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service confirmed the investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing.

The Windmill Harvester remains closed.

Image Credit: Eddie Mitchell, @brightonsnapper