Community rallies after garden blaze

A FUNDRAISER in aid of a community allotment destroyed by fire raised thousands of pounds less than a day after the blaze.

Organisers of the Food is Free garden in Carnoustie were devastated after flames burnt the project to the ground on Wedneday night.

But less than 24 hours later, the local community had rallied and raised more than £3,000 to help rebuild it.

The fire brigade was called to the garden in the town’s Panmure Industrial Estate around 9pm on Wednesday after neighbours contacted emergency services.

Firefighters managed to put out the fire within 20 minutes, but by that time nothing was left at the allotment and the polytunnel was a burnt out shell.

Organiser Laura Tierney described the damage caused as “absolutely horrible”.

Laura said: “No words can express how devastated we are by this fire.

“Fortunately, there weren’t too many vegetables in the polytunnel but the tunnel itself, which was donated by Angus Growers five years ago, is completely destroyed.

“We have pretty much lost everything. However, the support from the local community already has been incredible.

“This is a very difficult time for very many people who are struggling themselves but to hear so many people have already donated money to help us replace the garden is incredible.

“We are overwhelmed and so very grateful. We will replace the garden. The clear up starts now.

“People have volunteered to help out with that and with the rebuilding. We hope we will be up and running again in plenty time for spring.”

Fundraising organiser Matt Rex Christie said while the devastation was still “very much raw” he though it best to start a fundraiser as soon as possible.

“I know it is close to Christmas and with everything going on in the world things are a bit tight but if we all can give anything to help get this community garden back up and running then it’s a win,” he said.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “We were called to a fire in Carnoustie around 8.50pm on Wednesday night. One appliance from Carnoustie using a hose reel jet extinguished the fire in around 20 minutes.

“We received numerous calls about the fire and Police Scotland were also in attendance.”

Food is Free Carnoustie was founded in 2015 by Pauline Marr, Laura-May Kennedy and Libby McAinsh.

The worldwide movement started in Austin, Texas, with the purpose of taking neglected spaces and gardens and turning them into community gardens which then provides free harvests to anyone.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Around 9pm on Wednesday officers received a report of a fire on Panda Lane in Carnoustie. Inquiries into the cause of the fire are ongoing.”