Fire station community appeal gets 'amazing' response

Firefighter Carl Tolley (centre) with representatives of some of the businesses that pledged support for restoring the pond

Firefighters in Nottinghamshire say they have had an "amazing" response to a community appeal.

Crews at Ashfield station want to turn a nearby neglected pond into an educational facility.

They asked for help with time and materials earlier this month - and said they were inundated with offers from people and businesses.

The plan is to restore the area to teach people about safety both outside and inside the home.

The pond area was originally created 20 years ago by fire crews but had fallen out of use.

Fire crews said the show of community support was "pushing us along to get things done"

A post on Facebook asking for building materials, small tools and plants led to dozens of replies, including offers of help from scout groups, schools, families and businesses.

Firefighter Carl Tolley said people had spoken about restoring the pond, but the appeal had taken it forward.

"We didn't expect to hit the ground running as fast as we are but it is pushing us along to get things done," he said.

"It's been amazing, they have done us proud."

'Educate them'

He added: "It is great to see the community doing this, they have stepped up massively.

"They are helping to support the local area, helping us to educate the children and some adults as well.

"It's about safety around water, the forest and fires in the home as well.

"We don't want to go to people's homes when they are at their worst, we want to educate them so it never happens in the first place."

He added schools would be helping with making signs, bird boxes and bug houses.

Rebecca Thompson, from Eurocell Plastics, said it had been keen to donate equipment.

"The post got a lot of interest locally, it got shared around and having always lived locally, I definitely though it was something we should get involved in," she added.