Old Swinford Hospital school in Stourbridge has been housing families displaced by the devastating wildfires that swept through the area, but has now asked the public to stop donating as they have received more than enough supplies.
Around 10 people, including a child, were injured in the blaze that started near Stourbridge Golf Course. Fires also broke out on grassland in Solihull, on the M6, and near Price Avenue in Tamworth. The school has been sheltering some of the families forced from their homes by the inferno.
School Plea for Donations to Stop
In a Facebook post, the school wrote: "We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our neighbours and community with the donations in support of those affected by the horrendous Stourbridge fires. Thanks to you all, we now have more than enough supplies to support those housed with us, and families affected who are displaced elsewhere."
The post continued: "Therefore, we kindly ask you not to bring donations to OSH and instead please consider supporting other local causes. Our heartfelt thanks to you all, and to Dudley Council and the emergency services personnel for their huge efforts. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected."
MP Shares Gratitude and Calls for Urgent Action
Cat Eccles, MP for Stourbridge, released a statement about the impact of the fires, expressing gratitude to those who fought the blazes. She said: "I spent the evening at the Town Hall supporting people who had been evacuated from their homes due to the fires in Stourbridge. I heard some devastating stories from people who have lost everything in mere moments."
Eccles added: "Thankfully there are no serious casualties, but the recovery from these fires will be long lasting. I'm grateful to all the fire crews who put their own lives on the line to fight the fires, to the police and ambulance services, Dudley Council for coordinating evacuations, accommodation and support, Network Rail staff for supporting with fires on the nearby railway, and to members of the public, local businesses and organisations who came together to support our community."
She also stressed the need for government action: "But as a Government we need to act urgently to mitigate the impact of extreme heat and climate change as these events increase in frequency. I've spoken to Andy Burnham's team and stressed that we need to do much more."
Ongoing Closures and Support
The surrounding area remains closed, and train travel will be impacted today. Eccles advised anyone affected by the fires to contact her office for help: "If anyone affected by the fires needs help or support, please do contact my office and my team and I will do all we can to help. Stay safe Stourbridge."
