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Sunday, 12 August 2007, 10:42 GMT 11:42 UK

Blaze victim donations flood in

Demolition sign A charity collecting donations for people who lost everything in a blaze in Newport says the phone has not stopped ringing with offers of help.

Six homes were demolished, another will have to be knocked down and six more were badly damaged by the fire in Marlborough Road in Maindee on Tuesday.

Raven House Trust says it has already been offered items, including 50 beds, but is still appealing for more goods.

A section of the road is expected to remain closed throughout the weekend.

Newport Council is now directing anyone wanting to make a donation to the fire victims to the Raven House Trust, which has offered to co-ordinate the effort.

Project manager Paul Evans said donations so far had included two lorry-loads of furniture, duvets, pillows, toys and clothes.

Items they would still like to receive include household goods, clothes, bedding and tinned and dried food like rice and pasta.

"People have been very generous, asking what can they do to help"
Paul Evans, project manager Raven House Trust

Mr Evans said: "Not all [those affected] have insurance. So some of them are going to have nothing at all, we're going to have to set up a new home for them.

"The phone hasn't stopped all day with offers of help."

Large families were among those whose homes were caught up in the blaze and they may need several pieces of furniture, he said.

The charity, which is not asking for financial donations, opened its base over the weekend especially for the fire appeal.

Mr Evans said: "We have had things flood in all weekend - people have been very generous, asking what can they do to help."

Smoke from the fire

Newport Council said it was still in regular contact with people affected by the fire.

"Some of them are fine and have got insurance and are all taken care of - others we've found them homes around Newport" said a spokesman.

A mixture of council and privately-rented properties had been used to re-house people, he added, and longer-term accommodation was now being considered.

On Friday, a section of the street between Harrow Road and Eton Road, which is in front of the demolition work, was closed to traffic.

Gwent Police said this was to protect residents and children from the danger posed by the heavy machinery. It was expected to remain closed over the weekend.

Some 100 people were evacuated from the street on Tuesday when fire spread from the Limebright joinery workshop. Electricity and gas supplies were also temporarily cut off.

When residents were allowed to return the following day, some discovered looters had targeted their homes.

Resident Katie Cook said her wallet, jewellery box and other valuables were missing.

Gwent Police confirmed two properties had been hit and forensic teams would be gathering evidence.

Donations can be taken to the Raven House Trust, Somerton Community Centre, Laburnam Drive, Newport or contact 01633 762999 or 07902 222834.



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Related to this story:
Looters strike at fire-hit homes (09 Aug 07 |  Wales )
Six houses demolished after fire (08 Aug 07 |  South East Wales )
Fire home owners count the cost (08 Aug 07 |  South East Wales )
Fire wrecks row of homes in road (07 Aug 07 |  South East Wales )

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Limebright
Newport City Council
Gwent Police
Raven House Trust
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