Wright Street disaster fund applications invited

The appeal for financial donations and household items for the victims of the Wright Street explosion will close on Thursday June 13.

Charles Street Methodist Church has already opened a second bank account where financial donations and monies from fundraising are being banked.

Cheques should be made payable to Charles Street Methodist Church and clearly marked for the Wright Street Disaster Fund.

Businesses or individuals in the Newark area who have been collecting money and wish to pay by credit or debit card should do so through the fund's justgiving page at www.justgiving.com/local/project/newark-wrightstreet/

These donations will show up on their bank statements.

Written receipts will be given in return for hand-delivered donations.

One family left homeless by the May 19 explosion has already had their new home completely kitted out with furniture and household items donated to the fund.

A committee has now been set up to co-ordinate the delivery of aid. The committee is inviting applications from people from Wright Street who lost their homes for financial assistance or for help fitting out new properties from second-hand items donated.

Applications supported by evidence from people on Wright Street or Private Street who suffered forms of financial loss directly resulting from the explosion may be considered but are not guaranteed.

Applications for assistance should be sent to Charles Street Methodist Church. Assistance in completing applications can be provided by telephoning 07460 076342.

Applications should include name, address, telephone number, a brief description of the hardship suffered and details of the assistance required.

Applications should be received no later than Thursday June 20.

They will be determined in confidence by the committee after the closing date and the money dispensed where the committee deems appropriate. The committee's decision is binding in all cases.

Anyone planning a fundraising event should contact the Advertiser newsdesk on 01636 681234 so the event can be advertised and reported on afterwards.