Flooding relief mission boost

Oldhamers have helped the Caring for People Project raise £25,000 for victims of the Pakistan floods — but there’s still much more to be done.

That’s the view of community leader Basit Shah, a former Oldham councillor, who is chairman of the charity which is raising money across Oldham, Accrington, Blackburn and Burnley.

The public will be able to see how the money will be spent at a dinner and presentation at the Pakistani Community Centre on September 27.

The charity aims to buy tube wells and pumps, costing £1,200 each, for communities in devastated villages hit by the floods which killed more than 1,000 residents.

It has left nine million children at risk of disease. One of the main shortages is clean water.

Mr Shah, from Werneth, said Caring for People aims to raise £50,000 before he leaves for Pakistan on September 30.

The community centre meeting will involve a presentation on the areas affected, a talk from a doctor and more information on the tube wells. Tables at the dinner cost £25 each or £200 for a table of 10 and tickets are available on 0794-905 8887.