Town’s kindness wins praise

THE response of the community to the Wright Street disaster in which two people died has been described as heartwarming.

Since the explosion in May, the community in Newark has united to help those worst affected.

The community effort was praised by Newark and Sherwood District Council homes and communities committee, who were updated on the response to the explosion at a meeting on Monday.

Donations of money, food and furniture were made and a committee established to help coordinate the relief effort.

It helped to find and fund accommodation for people who had to leave their homes.

In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, the exact cause of which is still being investigated, neighbours and passers-by went into the rubble to help rescue people who were trapped.

Charles Street Methodist Church opened its doors to support people who had to leave their homes and provided food, drink and supplies for residents and the emergency services.

The church has continued to hold coffee mornings and support sessions for people affected.

District councillor Mrs Trish Gurney said: “The warmth of the local community was really heartwarming.

“It shows the community cares about each other and people are prepared to give their time and resources to help those in need after a catastrophe like this.”

Mr David Lloyd, the ward member for the area, said: “The support of the Methodist Church and the goodwill of the community was quite remarkable.”

A report to the council committee praised the response of emergency services and the council to what was an unprecedented incident for the district.

It said agencies had worked together effectively to provide a professional and caring response, and individuals had gone above and beyond their normal duties.

It said lessons would be learned, including how best to use community buildings and deal with a large media presence.

The council made a donation to the church for the use of its facilities, and in recognition of its support.

Mr Lloyd said: “I would like to congratulate all those who were involved in the response.

“The coordination between our staff, the county council, police and fire was faultless.”