Coronation Street actor supports Afghan refugee donation drive in Hertsmere

Coronation Street's David Neilson, who has played the role of Roy Cropper since 1995, dropped by a collection point in Borehamwood last week with some donations.

Borehamwood councillor Michelle Vince, who helped organise the collection, says she has been "overwhelmed" by the number of donations.

She said: "We have taken clothes, shoes, prams, and bikes to the families at the hotels, and we are also exploring other opportunities to take goods elsewhere because we have got so much stuff and it can do so much good. We had over 150 bags in the end."

The tent at Aberford Park where items were donated to support families who have fled Afghanistan

Cllr Vince says people from across Borehamwood as well as in Shenley, Potters Bar, other parts of Hertsmere, and even from north London have dropped by with items for the families who have fled the Middle Eastern country.

Volunteers have since been sorting the items into different categories. Anything that doesn't go to the refugees will be donated to other people in need or sold with the money raised going to charities.

Coronation Street actor David Neilson dropped by with some donations. He is pictured with Cllr Michelle Vince's son James

The leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, Morris Bright, confirmed last week between 100 and 200 people, many of whom are families, who supported the British Army during its presence in Afghanistan predominantly working as interpreters, are being looked after at two hotels in Hertsmere.

Donations have poured in from across the borough, with thousands of bags collected at Bushey Synagogue while local housing developer Griggs Homes also arranged a collection.

Donations at Bushey Synagogue. Credit: PA

Collections have also been held at Oakmere Youth & Community Centre in Potters Bar.

Potters Bar councillor Chris Myers said: "We have been able to play our part this week as a constituency that prides itself on our community spirit, and collected what we can to make a difference."

Overall, so much has been given to the refugees in Hertsmere, the British Red Cross has said no more donations are needed at the time.

Cllr Vince added: "We are on the back of a pandemic and many people here have lost their jobs and are struggling to feed their own families.

"Yet people have still found that generosity in their hearts to share what they have got. We live in a town of good people."