Thousands raised as community comes together following Storm Chandra

A community clean-up is being planned this weekend in one of the worst hit flooded villages - as an online crowdfunder is also launched.

Mark Rigden is from the charity which oversees Tipton St John playing fields, park and clubhouse and says: "I didn't expect it to be as bad as it was.

"There's a watermark 1.2 metres up in the clubhouse, there's stacks of chairs and water was pooling in the top of them. That's how high it got.

"It's just heartbreaking and so unfortunate. We have bands that practice there and keep their equipment there."

Mr Rigden says the upkeep of the park is a community effort, adding: "For example Kevin who runs the football club he puts so much effort into the football pitch. He's there every week, he cuts it, her fertilises it and it's all ruined."

The chair of the charity says he's been heartened by the response to the storm so far, explaining: ""People that now live in America but grew up in Tipton are now messaging me saying good luck and i'm sorry this has happened - I think this has touched a lot of people."

In a post online, Mr Rigden said: "We are just coming to terms with the amount of damage we have endured post flood, we need to replace all the safety flooring around the playground, replace fencing and re-secure the memorial benches around the playing field.

"We have also suffered extensive damage to our sports pavilion and equipment. Any contribution will be greatly appreciated to help us restore our community haven."

There's more details here

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