Fundraiser for families 'devastated' by fire

A community has rallied together to support families affected by the recent fires that devastated homes .

In Warstock, Birmingham, six families lost their homes and five more were left with severe smoke damage when the blaze tore through Gorleston Road on 13 August.

A fundraiser and family fun day is set to place on Saturday at Warstock Community Centre, to support the families whose homes and belongings were destroyed.

The fire took place on the hottest day of the year as temperatures peaked at 38.1C in some parts of the country, and also a day when several more fires were reported in the West Midlands including in Stourbridge, Pershore and Willenhall.

Resident Leanne Nichols said the community has rallied around all the affected families.

She said: "Six families have lost their homes and the other five had smoke damage. We've helped them out the best we can with new bedding and curtains.

"On the day after the fires, me and my friends set up a donation drive at the Warstock Community Centre and we just got completely overwhelmed.

"It was unbelievable."

Pre‑loved items donated by residents will be sold at the fundraiser with all proceeds going directly to those affected.

Nichols said she hopes the event will bring in vital support.

"I want everyone to come down, grab some bargains and have a really fun family day. We've got lots going on for the kids. We're trying our best to get people back into their homes."

Items have been stored at the local football club, due to the "overwhelming" amount of donations, before being moved to the centre ahead of the event.

Dozens of gardens backing on to council-owned Daisy Farm Park were also affected by the fire raising fears of burlglaries due to a loss of boundary fencing.

Some residents reporting that unwanted visitors had wandered on to the scorched plots to take photographs.

But they also praised the council clear-up teams who came round to help.

People spoke of their devastation as family homes were razed to the ground with one woman, Jessica Rowley, saying her parents had lost their home just after her dad's retirement.

Carol Squires also spoke of the sadness of seeing her old family home destroyed, leaving her dad having to be rehomed by the council.

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