The Stourbridge community and local businesses have come together to support families affected by a devastating fire that broke out yesterday near Stourbridge Golf Course. Around ten people were hurt, including a child, as the blaze spread to nearby homes. Additional fires also broke out on grassland in Solihull, on the M6, and near Price Avenue in Tamworth.
Businesses open their doors to those affected
One such business is the pub Cock'N'Bull, which is offering a place for people "to sit for a while, take stock, charge your phone, get your head together or simply wait somewhere while you work out what happens next." In an Instagram post, they wrote: "Stourbridge, we’re thinking of you tonight. Seeing what’s happening across different parts of our town is absolutely heartbreaking."
"If you’ve been evacuated or affected by the fires and need somewhere to sit for a while, take stock, charge your phone, get your head together or simply wait somewhere while you work out what happens next, please come and see us at CnB." They added: "If it’s safe for you to travel to us, we’ll happily look after you with some food and a hot or soft drink on us. You don’t need to book or buy anything. Just come in and let one of our team know."
The pub also expressed gratitude: "Please follow the advice of the emergency services first and foremost. Sending so much love to everyone affected tonight, and a huge thank you to the emergency services and everyone working to keep people safe."
Tea room offers complimentary supplies
The Sugar Loaf tea room has also taken to social media to voice their support. In a video, they emotionally said: "Last night was absolutely horrendous and traumatic for so many people in our community and so many people have been displaced, they've lost their homes."
"It's very very emotional. At The Sugar Loaf today, if you have been affected please do come in, we have got complimentary hot drinks. I've also got a load of cereals for children and adults. So just come in and speak to myself or one of the members of my team and we will take care of you." They added: "We've got toast, we've got cereals, we have got sanitary products, and we've also got baby changing facilities and also toiletries as well, should you need it."
Community initiatives and donation drives
On Instagram, We Are Stourbridge is also sharing an emergency appeal for Leslie's Care Packages, an award-winning volunteer-led, not-for-profit community initiative based in Stourbridge. They are now urgently raising funds for Primark clothing vouchers, food vouchers, Asda vouchers for essential household items, such as kettles, toasters, the basics.
We Are Stourbridge wrote: "Thank you for showing up for our community when it matters most." Local fitness influencer, Mariaalice.fit, is also offering her support for those impacted, setting up a clothing donation station.
