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Source: http://www.stainesnews.co.uk/staines-and-ashford-news/news-staines-and-ashford/2010/12/23/icy-conditions-bring-out-spelthorne-goodwill-54472-27875609/
SNOW has crippled the economy and caused travel chaos for millions this Christmas, but blizzards have also inspired goodwill and charity in Spelthorne. Braving freezing temperatures tomorrow night will be the Staines Street Angels as they offer support to vulnerable revellers. The angels have been patrolling the town centre every weekend since August helping police to prevent anti-social behaviour. In the last month the group of Christian volunteers withstood temperatures of-8ºC in order to carry out their duties. Project coordinator John Miller has been with the scheme from the start. He said: “We have been meeting a lot of people. We have had good feedback from the police and the local authority. “The biggest challenge is the weather by about 2 o’clock on one evening it was about -7 or -8 degrees, but that doesn't deter people from going out. The challenge does not come from people out and about, you are part of their enjoyment. There has been a tiny majority of people who have behaved negatively everybody else has been friendly and supportive.” The angels are not the only ones spreading good cheer, Spelthorne Council leader John Packman has donated £400 of his Better Neighbourhood Grant to help buy 10 new heaters for the elderly. Every year each Spelthorne councillor receives an grant of £650 to spend on a cause of their choice, this year Cllr Packman has chosen to support Age Concern Spelthorne. He said: “Trying to keep warm in these exceptional weather conditions is extremely difficult for the young and active let alone the elderly and less mobile. This is a more than worthy cause which it gives me pleasure to support.” Another good Samaritan has offered the services of her seven seater Renault Espace to help families and pensioners who have been left stranded by the snow. Denise Stewart is the county councillor for Staines South and Ashford West. She said: “For some people it is impossible to get around in the snow if they don't have a car. I would like to offer my services to anyone who needs to get around.” If you are having difficulties travelling because of the snow Cllr Stewart's number is 07971665548. Comments are closed.
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