£100,000 council aid for blast victims

OLDHAM Council is donating £100,000 to the official Shaw Distress Fund.

The money will help alleviate the immediate hardship of affected locals.

The council has been accepting applications for support from the fund since Saturday.

The council is also looking for other sources of fuds to boost the level of emergency financial assistance it can offer.

Council leader, Councillor Jim McMahon, said: “It is only right that Oldham Council steps up and injects a serious cash sum into the fund. The residents of the borough expect us to be prepared for a rainy day — and this is, sadly, a very rainy day for Shaw.

“The initial response in terms of donated items was overwhelming, but we would now urge people who still wish to contribute to please do so by donating money direct to the Distress Fund.”

“These funds will be used to contribute towards relieving the distress and suffering that residents are experiencing, plus pay for items and costs incurred by the explosion. They will also provide short-term financial support to those awaiting payment of insurance claims and support those without insurance cover.

To find out more — and to donate online — visit Oldham Council’s website at www.oldham.gov.uk. You can also call 0161-770 6611 to donate during the opening hours of 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday) and 9am to 1pm (Saturday only).


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