DALE residents have rallied around families who have had their belongings ruined by a fire at a haulage yard.
“People have been amazing,” said Judith Buckle, Evenwood resident and activity co-ordinator at Lyons Court care home after she put out an appeal to help those affected by the fire at Ramshaw Removals haulage yard.
“The whole village has come together to see how they can help.”
Residents of nearby properties were evacuated and six families from Newholme Crescent have had to be temporarily rehoused due to contamination from diesel and smoke from the fire, which raged for eight hours before firefighters were able to put it out two weeks ago.
“It is unbelievable what some people have lost,” added Ms Buckle. “Bedding, towels, food, beds, toys, clothes, furniture. One lady was only able to take her white goods.”
Collection tubs for donations have set up in McColl’s post office and the Working Men’s Club as well as at the Cornerstone Christian Centre, which is also co-ordinating and storing items for those affected. Children at nearby primary schools also helped out in the fundraising effort by organising a non uniform day.
A pie and quiz night has been organised by the Cornerstone Christian Centre on Saturday, June 30. Entrance is £5 with all the money
raised going directly to the families.
Joanne Waller, head of environment, health and consumer protection at Durham County Council, said: “We will continue to monitor the site and surrounding area closely together with Northumbrian Water, the Environment Agency and Public Health England.”
Northumbrian Water and the Environment Agency confirmed there is no contamination to the local water supply.
