Kentish Express Ashford & District
All those who have helped are brilliant – they’re heroes
A Facebook appeal page, anonymous donations, a nearby primary school, the emergency services and the council have all been praised for rallying together after the devastating Little Knoll explosion.
Ashford Oaks Primary School has been allowing workmen to make drinks and use the facilities while residents have been taking cups of tea and even doughnuts out to the stream of site workers.
Ashford Borough Council provided immediate welfare support, plans for long-term alternative accommodation and bed and breakfast payments to those staying with families so that they can pay towards their keep.
Cllr Jill Britcher, ward member for Beaver ward, said: “This epitomises everything I have always known about the people in this area.
“There is a wonderful community here and I am so pleased to hear these emerging stories of great generosity towards the affected households. For my part I will continue to be on hand to support the residents and the officers of the council as they continue their supporting efforts.”
Gerry D’Cruz, head teacher at Ashford Oaks Primary School, said: “This was a shocking incident which has concerned the children, parents and staff.
“Many members of the school community have asked how we can support the families that are affected and we are currently looking at options to help.
“We understand that the site will be closed for over a year and we will work with the local community to support in any way we can.”
One affected resident, Pete Collins, said those who have helped are heroes.
He said: “The council have been brilliant, the emergency services have been brilliant, the people with their donations have been brilliant, so we all really want to say thank you for that. It’s very touching.
“I met some wonderful people who donated clothes, and some bits for my dog.
“Some people even just turned up at my mum’s place saying ‘here are some clothes for your boy’ or with dog bits. I’ve never even met most of them and they’ve been brilliant.”