Saltney residents prove community spirit is alive and well

Dec 31 2009 by Dave Goodban, Chester Chronicle

Saltney residents prove community spirit is alive and well

AN ELDERLY couple have been overwhelmed by the generosity of their neighbours when a small community pulled together after their home was burgled.

Thieves broke into the pensioners’ home in Saltney earlier this month. They stole a small amount of cash but turned the house upside down.

And the couple were forced to move out temporarily when police declared their home a crime zone.

But after hearing the news staff at Saltney Post Office and Saltney Social Club decided to help.

Between them – and with donations from friends, neighbours and community leaders – they have already raised more than £1,000 to cover the damage caused during the raid.

Post office workers handed over a cheque for £820 to the couple less than a week after the incident.

A post office spokeswoman said: “They were overwhelmed. They’re regular customers of ours and we were really upset when they told us about the burglary.

“We put out trays to collect for them and it was staggering the amount we raised just from donations from customers.”

Saltney Social Club on High Street, where the victims are long-time members and regular bingo players, has raised more than £200 and helped arrange a charity football match held on Sunday at the community centre field.

Social club manager Suzzy Wass said: “Everyone’s mucked in. That’s what community spirit is all about and this is the time of year when we should be pulling together.

“They’re very grateful, I don’t think anyone’s ever done anything like this for them before.”