Mayor ‘moved’ by help after floods

The mayor of Ashford’s twin town has expressed gratitude for the town’s “support and sympathy” after devastating floods.

Bad Münstereifel – which has enjoyed close relations with Ashford since the towns were twinned in 1964 – was hit by unprecedented flooding from the river Erft as heavy rain fell across western Europe in July.

As news of the terrible disaster reached our shores, the Ashford Twinning Association stepped up with a fundraising effort to send cash to help with the recovery.

It has now raised more than £13,300 in donations.

Writing to her Ashford counterpart, Cllr Callum Knowles, the German town’s mayor Sabine Preiser-Marian said: “The flood of July 14, 2021, has hit our town and our citizens in a very hard way.

“For more than 600 years, Bad Münstereifel has not experienced such a flood disaster. Nevertheless, we are now looking ahead optimistically, as the

disaster has not only brought destruction, but also solidarity, support and empathy to our town. Furthermore new networks have been established.

“Therefore we are now doing all we can to rebuild our beautiful town.

“Great efforts to clean up and rebuild and new challenges lie ahead of us.

“We are very moved by the compassion, help and support that has reached us in various ways during these difficult

times.

“I am especially grateful for the crowdfunding campaign that was initiated by the Ashford Twinning Association.

“Thank you very much for all your support and sympathy.”

The twinning association staged a Big Munch fundraising event on August 21 at Repton Connect Community Centre with live music and food.

The event raised more than £740 to add to the online fundraiser.

The Big Munch in aid of the Ashford twin town flood relief raised hundreds of pounds

Picture: Matthew Forest Ashford Folk performed at the Big Munch event

The Erft river burst its banks in the deluge, causing damage to surrounding streets