Neighbours join emergency volunteer list (From Malvern Gazette)

Neighbours join emergency volunteer list

10:21am Wednesday 22nd August 2007 in News By Jack Davidson

SELFLESS neighbours have volunteered their own homes to stranded strangers in the event of another flooding emergency in Bromyard.

A list has been compiled of 30 good samaritans who would be prepared to offer a warm bed to those without anywhere else to go.

Coun Alan Seldon said: "When we had the flooding in July, we had 80 people displaced from their homes and it was only through good fortune we managed to house them all.

"There was a sense of Great British spirit from the local community, but if there's a next time, we'll have something to fall back on."

During the July flooding, concerned residents came forward to offer their homes as refuge and the idea of formalising the process would ensure that those who want to help can.

Lynn Yapp, from Highwell Lane, Bromyard, added her name to the list after helping a young man who had become stranded by the weather. She said: "The night was just so desperate and we had an opportunity to help someone who otherwise would have had to sleep in their car.

"He was a delightful young man and he later sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers to say thanks."

Retired Lynn, who has lived in Bromyard for two years with her husband, says people's actions during the floods are testament to the great community spirit there.

"It's such a lovely area and the people have been so nice to us, that we wanted to do what we could to help."