Police are often commended for helping members of the public – but the latest episode from the Newtown Neighbourhood Management Team really goes the extra mile.
While they were working with the Powys Cadets, who organised an initiative to provide vulnerable residents with Christmas hampers, they met an elderly rural resident in Betws who had been without heating oil for 10 days.
When the Cadets and Neighbourhood Management team member PCSO Gwyn Bufton entered the property, they couldn’t believe how cold the house was and feared for the residents’ wellbeing.
After chatting with her they discovered that due to the weather she was unable to receive a delivery for 10 days so they offered to help! Along with their police 4×4 vehicle PCSO Bufton called on his colleagues to assist and later that day the resident received a few drums of oil to see her through the festive period and until the weather conditions hopefully begin to improve.
PSCO Bufton said: “It was bitterly cold in her house and we were seriously worried for her health and we were happy to assist in any way we could. She was very appreciative of the festive hamper so when we offered to organise the fuel mercy mission she was thrilled!”
The news soon filtered back to Social Services and the Newtown Neighbourhood Management Team was contacted directly by the department to support them in a similar additional case involving an elderly vulnerable adult.
Sergeant Jonathon Rees from the Newtown NMT adds: “This act of good-will highlights our approach to supporting and engaging with members of the community in times of need and anxiety. In addition, the call for assistance from Social Services demonstrates what can be achieved from collaborative working and fully endorses effective partnership working.”
