Hub 'overwhelmed' by house blast donations

The explosion in Benwell, Newcastle, happened in the early hours of 16 October

A hub set up to help families displaced by a house explosion is asking people to donate money or gift cards rather than items after being "overwhelmed" by public generosity.

More than 120 people were forced out of their homes after the fatal blast at Violet Close in Benwell, Newcastle.

Seven-year-old Archie York and 35-year-old Jason Laws were killed in the explosion on 16 October, the cause of which remains under investigation.

Cornerstone Community Centre has been co-ordinating donations of clothes, toys and essential items for those still displaced.

Alongside the two fatalities, six others were hospitalised following the explosion, one of whom remains in hospital with serious injuries.

Donations to help the victims have been piling up

The hub on Armstrong Road has received thousands of donations and Amy Sturdy, its operations manager, said: "We've had donations from as far south as Middlesbrough going up to Alnwick and we're just so grateful.

"It's not just been from people in Newcastle. It's felt like the whole region has come together."

But she added the best way people can help those displaced is "to focus on donating money" through Newcastle City Council so they "can target what people most need".

'Really traumatic time'

Eighty people across 36 households are still out of their homes, either in council-provided temporary accommodation, with family and friends or staying in a hotel.

Only 40 residents of Bubble Road, adjacent to Violet Close, have so far been able to return.

Mrs Sturdy said: "It has been a really traumatic time for the people affected. Some have lost all of their possessions, others have very little and are struggling mentally, so we've done what we can to help.

"What we're focusing on is making sure people have those core essentials, like toiletries, towels, bedding and cleaning products.

"Oddly one of the most difficult things to source has been shoes and footwear, due to people's different sizes and shapes."

Furniture has been turned away at the hub, for "practical reasons"

Cornerstone's six members of staff have mucked in to make sure those affected have been able to pick and box up what they need from the donations.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said people are being advised by the council to donate by purchasing Eldon Square gift cards which can then be used to buy the most needed items.