Community rally to help blaze victims
A phenomenal effort by the Craigshill community to help 25 families left homeless after last week’s fire has raised more than £8000 and seen thousands of vital items donated.
People living at Katherine Street fled with “nothing but the clothes on their backs” when the blaze ripped through the block of flats last Thursday night.
Thankfully nobody was injured, but families have been struggling with losing their possessions and having nowhere to call home.
Since then people in Craigshill have pulled out all the stops to help, with a Crowdfunding page and a donation drive at the Tower Bar.
The page has raised more than £8500 and Tower Bar manager, Frank McAlister, said he has been inundated with donations.
Frank said the response to the fire was “nothing short of amazing” after receiving clothes, bedding, furniture, food, toiletries, toys and much more.
Fiona Macleod, who organised the fundraising page said: “We’ve had such an amazing response.
“To put it into perspective, there are 25 households affected by this horrible fire and left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. We have decided to increase the target in the hopes that this money can actually make a big difference to them starting from scratch and rebuilding their homes. Your generosity has been outstanding and we hope this continues.”
West Lothian Council said it is also supporting residents.
The serious blaze affected flats at one to 12 Katherine Street, with tenants in 25 flats owned by Almond Housing Association affected.
A number of council services were involved in response to the incident.
Nearby Forestbank Community Centre was opened for residents immediately after the fire and Craigshill Road was closed between Victoria Street and Adelaide Street for the entire weekend.
Officers from the council’s Housing Service are now working with Almond Housing Association to assist their tenants affected by the blaze in securing alternative accommodation for those who will not be able to return to their homes.
Executive councillor for the services for the community George Paul said: “This fire was a major incident and it’s fortunate that noone was seriously injured as a result.
“The council is working with Almond Housing Association to ensure that those affected receive they help they need at this difficult time.
“Any Katherine Street residents who need support should contact Almond Housing or West Lothian Council.”
There is a dedicated resource in the Advice Shop to ensure priority is given to affected residents, including crisis grant applications.
The Advice Shop can be contacted on 01506 283000.
Anyone affected by the fire who needs additional support as a result should contact the council on 01506 280000 or Almond Housing Association on 01506 439291.