Pub shows community spirit during tyre yard blaze

Northumbria Police and mayor Norma Redfearn have thanked staff from the Anson pub, in Tyne & Wear, for showing “genuine care and concern” after a fire at a tyre yard in Wallsend was reported at 1.55am on 5 January.

Tyne & Wear fire and rescue service reported tyres were alight at the site near the high street and a number of gas cylinders had also caught fire and exploded.

A cordon was put in place but, in order to protect the surrounding community, over 100 residents were evacuated for their safety – this is when the Anson pub sprang into action.

Nowhere else to go ​

North Tyneside council’s elected mayor Norma Redfearn CBE said: “It’s amazing how the community came together to provide a haven at the Anson pub for people who had nowhere else to go after being evacuated from their homes.

“People in Wallsend are the salt of the earth and this is about what real communities do for each other in their hour of need.

“I’m incredibly proud and grateful for the way everybody has responded and taken care of each other during a very serious incident.”

Nobody was injured during the incident and firefighters were able to bring the tyre yard blaze under control and extinguish it.

Outstanding service ​

When the pub opened its doors to those in need, staff served them free tea, coffee, juice and water throughout the night, as well as accommodating beloved pets.

Wallsend neighbourhood inspector Mark Storey, who presented the staff at the Anson with an area commander’s commendation, said: “The staff at the Anson displayed genuine care and concern for the residents in Wallsend and the service they provided was outstanding.

“The staff also offered biscuits and sweets from their own homes to show further kindness to those suffering the consequences of the fire.

“I’m incredibly proud to serve within such a kind and caring community – it was an honour to present the staff at the Anson with this award, it’s very well deserved.”