Praise for local community supporting Newhey families affected by fire

Lilac Avenue fire

A local police inspector has praised the community for rallying around the families affected by a fire in Newhey earlier this week.

Inspector Rob MacGregor, of Rochdale East Neighbourhood Team, said: “I was on scene at the fire on Lilac Avenue on Tuesday night, which was a devastating incident.

“The Fire Service were very impressive to watch work, and partners from the Council and RBH arrived on scene to offer help and support to displaced residents. I understand that the local councillors were involved at an early stage and receiving updates on the situation with those residents.

“I know that through social media, the community have started to raise money and to invite donations to the families affected. I understand that one of my colleagues is arranging to make a donation on behalf of the Police from the tuck shop funds which all go to charity.

“This is a truly terrible experience to have, but I do find it inspiring that as we saw previously when snow caused people to be stranded on the M62, we have a community that rallies around to help people when they are in need.”

Six people - three adults and three children - were taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation after fire ripped through a row of houses on Tuesday night (26 February).

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/126326/gas-explosion-causes-fire-to-rip-through-newhey-terrace

Vast quantities of donations have been made by residents and businesses, including children’s shoes and clothing, food, baby milk and bottles, nappies and toiletries.

Men’s clothing (size small/medium) and women’s clothing, plus dog food is also required.

Cat food may also be required on the safe return of one family’s kitten, which is understood to be missing following the devastation.

Donations can be made to the John Milne, Ironing Salon and St Thomas’s Primary School in Newhey, plus numbers one and eight on Sycamore Avenue.

Fundraisers have also been set up to help the affected families restore their belongings and homes:

• www.gofundme.com/funds-for-families-of-the-house-fire-in-newhey
   
• www.gofundme.com/carl-victim-of-lilac-avenue-house-fire