AMID the chaos of Storm Arwen and people looking to rebuild their lives after six days of having no power, the community spirit is alive and well after groups, businesses and residents across County Durham and the North East have joined together to support one another.
Since the power outage first started last Friday, a sense of unity and togetherness has been seen by those facing the same fate – the prospect of not having electricity, heating, and access to food.
The best of human spirit has been seen, whether it’s at community centres, businesses or hospitality settings, which people have been using as ‘central hubs’ to get food, keep warm and stay safe over the last few days.
Read more: Storm Arwen: Major incident response to County Durham power cut crisis
In Pelton Fell, County Durham, residents have flocked to The Brockwell Community Centre each evening since Saturday for somewhere warm to be – making it the focal point of the whole village.
Ms Nicholson, who has attended the centre every night this week, has praised the facility in Pelton Fell, which has been providing a place of warmth, free power, tea and coffee.
She said: "The community have been taken it upon themselves to come together, people have been coming in with flasks, soup and hot water bottles.
"The number of elderly people who have turned up to the community centre this week - it's just been full."
Read more: Mum's fears after Pelton Fell estate left without power from Storm Arwen
It’s not just traditional community centres that have been providing help during Storm Arwen. The University of Durham announced earlier today that they’ve made eight student apartments available to those that have fallen victim to the power outage.
The flats, which are fully equipped with electricity and have separate kitchens and living areas, can sleep up to six people.
University chiefs got involved with the aid efforts after City of Durham MP, Mary Foy, got in touch to seek support for anyone affected by Storm Arwen.
Jeremy Cook, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Colleges and Student Experience) at the University of Durham, said: “At Durham University we’re proud to be part of the community of our City, County and region.
“We’re pleased to be able to help people affected by Storm Arwen through providing up to eight flats as temporary accommodation, just as we did for critical workers at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Requests for the accommodation will be managed by Durham County Council’s contact centre on 03000 260 000.”
Across the city of Durham, Indigo Hotel on Old Elvet, would usually be preparing for its Christmas rush of bookings from people desperate to visit the historic location.
However, this year, the general manager of the hotel, Tom Orange, has opened its doors for those needing shelter, warmth, and hot drinks.
Hotel Indigo is also offering a major reduction in room rates for those that are struggling with power shortages in their areas.
Mr Orange, who is urging people to use the services they have available at the hotel, said: “This is our way of giving back to the community. People have spent lots in our hotel, bar, steakhouse, it’s our turn to be there for those that have been loyal to us.
“So far, we’ve had people in getting free tea and coffee and a few just wanting to keep warm from the elements – it’s great to see others joining together.
“I’ll continue to run this service for as long as it’s needed. We pride ourselves on community and treating people with decency. Indigo Hotels was founded on neighbourhood and togetherness, and we practice what we preach.”
Read more: Thousands of vaccines wasted after Storm Arwen destroys supplies
From businesses offering services to those rolling up their sleeves and getting involved with bringing power back to people.
Callum Oliver and his team at Envirorod usually spend their weeks maintaining drain solutions, but during Storm Arwen, they have been delivering portable generators to the most vulnerable in Chester-le-Street.
Mr Oliver, who owns the company, started the charitable effort last Friday when he sourced two generators from his shed. After taking the effort on social media, he got inundated with messages from people in need and immediately sprang into action.
He said: “While we only have two generators, it’s more than others had. I wouldn’t have been able to sleep or live with myself if I didn’t play my part.”
“Yes, it’s a business gain, but from a personal perspective, I needed to get involved – it was the right thing to do.
“To say these people had lost power and were in a vulnerable position, the community spirit is alive and well, they took us into their homes and made us feel welcome while we brought in the generators.”
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