ABJECT apologies for a “mistake” that nearly scuppered Grayshott Fire Station’s charity fire wash, have been made both by the chief executive and leader of East Hampshire District Council.

The bi-annual fundraiser for The Fire Fighters Charity almost sank when it was hit with a shock demand for £750 to use its traditionally free site at Headley Road car park.

Thanks to the generosity of village pub The Fox and Pelican, which offered its own car park, the charity event went ahead on Saturday, October 5.

It was a tight fit but the event still raised £385 for The Fire Fighters Charity – and the council has agreed to double that to make up.

Crew manager Phil Wareham posted on the Grayshott community Facebook page: “For reasons unknown, East Hampshire District Council decided they would allow us to hold this charity event that the firefighters of Grayshott were working voluntarily at, for a ‘small fee’ of £750, with additional admin charges they were willing to waiver – that was good of them.”

Horrified by what had happened, Garyshott district councllor Ferris Cowper took up the cudgels on their behalf.

Cllr Cowper said: “I’m terribly disappointed. The decision lacks all logic and community spirit.

“I’m immensely proud of EHDC. However, as there is no policy in existence to charge in this manner, I have no idea what box was ticked to secure this ridiculous outcome.”

Responding, council chief executive Gill Kneller said: “We are really sorry. This was a mistake. We won’t be charging any charities and we shouldn’t have charged this one for events like this.”

Leader Cllr Richard Millard added: “I am extremely sorry about this. This charity is doing really important work. I’d really like to do my bit to help them, so I am giving them a donation to match what they raised on the day from my councillor grant.”