Fund nears £12k target for Motherwell families whose homes were torched by a stray firework

For a crowdfunding campaign, spearheaded by caring neighbours in the North Motherwell Community Group, was in touching distance of its £12,000 target at time of going to press.

Terrified residents of Corrie Drive had seen both homes catch fire in an unofficial firework display that went horribly wrong around 7.55pm last Thursday (November 5).

Desperate 999 calls sent four fire engines round to the premises amidst reports that the neighbourhood was like a “war zone” as fireworks continued to soar into a night sky already illuminated by potentially deadly flames.

Thankfully nobody was hurt but the small community has rallied to help the victims re-build their lives.

Organiser Scott Symington has received donations via the Go Fund Me page from as far away as England and told the Motherwell Times that he cannot thank donors enough.

Scott, who has also received gifts of clothing and personal items for the families involved, said: “I am absolutely blown away once again with people’s amazing and outstanding generosity!

“I never imagined such a small plea would reach out from my community to other areas of our country. It’s been heartfelt by everyone involved in this and is growing every day be it cash, clothes, or food

“Thank you is just too small a phrase to say!”

Yet behind this one dramatic example of an emergency was the wider issue of the health and safety implications of fireworks, which was raised by Motherwell and Wishaw MP Marion Fellows.

Mrs Fellows said she was “devastated” for the victims and praised the generosity of all those who had helped – then raised her own fears about unofficial displays. The Scottish Nationalist said:“Every year, our communities are harmed by fireworks. Every year, I call for the UK Government to devolve the powers to the Scottish Parliament to ensure we can properly restrict the use of fireworks. Every year, these calls fall on deaf ears.

“After public consultation, the Scottish Government launched the firework review group which has produced a number of safety recommendations The Scottish Government will now seek to implement those recommendations that are within its powers.”

Mrs Fellows said she would also like to see “a strict permit scheme” run by councils to minimise the impact of fireworks which would still allow for their enjoyment in safety.”

Police have stressed that nobody has been arrested in relation to the incident as they are satisfied it was not started deliberately.

Anyone who would like to donate to the fund can still do so via https://www.gofundme.com/f/funds-for-fire-damaged-homes?sharetype=teams&member=6541742&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&rcid=caebb2d0d5344256b59df89f597c4bc7