Community rallies round after Country Park fire

DESTRUCTION: The aftermath of the fire in Sheldon Country Park

A CHELMSLEY Wood supermarket is helping raise money for a family farm which recently suffered a "devastating" fire.
Earlier this month, flames tore through a toilet block at Sheldon Country Park, near Marston Green.
Fortunately a passing dog-walker raised the alarm and fire crews arrived in force to put out the blaze, which was started in the early hours of July 8. The livestock in a nearby barn were thankfully unharmed.
While Sheldon Fire Station had originally described the incident as arson, it has subsequently been suggested that the fire could have been caused by compost combusting in flower planters.
In the wake of the incident, the Country Park had been inundated with messages of support from local people.
With the site having been left counting the cost of the fire, and still recovering from an illegal traveller camp just a few weeks before, the community has rallied round to try and help the popular spot get back on its feet.
Earlier this week it was reported that an online appeal had been set up, with hopes that £2,000 can be raised to repair the damage that has been done. More than £800 has been donated in a little over a week.
Becki Blackwell, who set up the Go Fund Me page, said she had been "overwhelmed" by the public's support to date.
Now Asda, in Bosworth Drive, has also shown its support and a collection bucket has been placed at the supermarket's customer service desk for people who would like to donate.
Old Rectory Farm, which is located on the Country Park site, keeps animals including Jersey cows, goats, pigs, ponies, geese and chickens. Dating from the 17th century, it has been fully restored and today offers demonstrations of traditional farming practices.

• The Farm is hosting a fun day on July 28.