A DEVASTATING fire that left a parish council and veterans’ charity homeless has sparked a huge outpouring of support.

Arsonists torched the pavilion in Manchester Road, Carrington, on Tuesday August 9, completely destroying the building.

The pavilion was undergoing regeneration at the time of the blaze and the attack proved a huge setback for the council, who had been based there for more than 20 years, and charity Trafford Veterans at The Mess.

But offers of help have been flooding in.

Land and property company HIMOR and Trafford Council provided skips for clean-up and HIMOR has offered to host parish council meetings at Carrington Business Park.

My Containers have also donated a safe lock container and the offer of an office unit to allow the council to continue operating and GE Power, of Carrington Power Station, have offered £500 towards the cost of repairs and furniture.

Sid Neild, chairman of Carrington Parish Council, thanked the organisations and businesses for their kind donations.

Paul Stanley, director of HIMOR, said: “Supporting the parish council following the devastating fire and helping out the local community are things that HIMOR feel very strongly about. When we heard about the loss of the Carrington Pavilion we immediately contacted the parish to offer our assistance.

“We are very sorry that they have suffered the loss of their offices and will be providing space at the business park to accommodate them for as long as they need.”

On August 24, members of The Mess, which made the pavilion its home just before the arson attack, and parish council volunteers embarked on a clean-up of the site. Landlord Sale pub Brigadier, veteran Mark Sweetland, was on hand to provide free lunch to the workers.

But the council still has a way to go. The main part of the pavilion is damaged beyond repair so the council needs to find a new modular building.

“Given the circumstances of the parish council, buying a new one is out of the question, but maybe someone has one out there that they could sell the council at a discounted price or even donate,” said Sid.

“Things are moving on at a pace so we hope that it will not be long before we are at least able to use some of the facilities and the field.”

If you can help email info@carringtonparishcouncil.org.uk or text 07719 595 850.