The cold weather brought out the community spirit this morning in West Norwich. As commuters, the elderly and children off school struggled with slippery conditions, a group of of local residents teamed up to help their neighbours.
Using supplies from council grit bins and garden sheds, volunteers from Wensum Residents Association took to the streets with the aim of preventing accidents. Starting with bus stops and pedestrian crossing points on Dereham Road, they set to work with barrows, shovels and plenty of enthusiasm.
A passer by with a pushchair and two small children commented “It was much easier to get to the shops for essentials after the volunteers had been out. It’s lovely to see people looking out for each other.”
Chair of the Association, Liam Calvert, 35, of West End Street, said “a number of us noticed how much trouble people were having on the icy pavements and felt we could help.”
Nick Steven, 38, of Hotblack Road said “quite a few us are teachers whose schools are closed or have young children and we wanted to make sure everyone stays safe.”
Local business also showed their appreciation, with Pye Baker supplying the cold team with hot drinks and encouragement.
The hardy volunteers won’t stop here, Joe Nash, 42, of Northumberland Street said “if the terrible conditions continue we’ll move on to side streets, park entrances and popular routes to school.”
Wensum Residents Association, who run the community centre on Hotblack Road and campaign on local neighbourhood issues, are always looking for people to get involved in activities and projects throughout the year. To find out more you can contact them on [email protected] or visit them online at wensumcommunitycentre.com.
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