Close

'The support has been fantastic' - YouTuber launches fundraiser for neighbours affect by damage of Bloxwich fire

A Walsall YouTuber has launched a crowdfunder to help the neighbour of a house that burst into flames in Bloxwich.

By Daniel Walton
Published
Last updated

Residents were left distraught following an incident on Shrewsbury Close, Bloxwich, on April 28, that saw the top floor of a residential house explode and catch fire, causing major destruction to the neighbouring buildings.

While the neighbours were evacuated to safety, they were left without homes, with many having to be housed by Walsall Council and the nearby St Thomas Church while they looked for temporary accommodation. 

Now, Walsall resident and YouTuber Scott Chesterman, of Bare Britain Audits, has launched a fundraiser to help an affected neighbour who has lost everything. 

Scott Chesterman, of Bare Britain Audits, has started using his YouTube channel to help fundraiser for a family who's home was destroyed when the neighbouring property exploded
Scott Chesterman, of Bare Britain Audits, has started using his YouTube channel to help fundraiser for a family who's home was destroyed when the neighbouring property exploded

Launching the fundraiser, Scott said: "It started when I was asking around what had happened and I got chatting to one of the neighbour's young kids, I asked him if he was okay and he said his families house had been burnt and they had to move out. 

"I have children myself so that really hit home for me, I couldn't help but think 'this could have been my and my kids'. I talked to the dad and I asked if he would mind if I set up a crowdfunder to try to help. 

"We know the money won't buy them a house or replace the possessions that they lost. But if there's anything I could do to make their situation a little less stressful, I wanted to do it."

West Midlands Police have said that they are looking at the possibility that the address was used to produce cannabis
West Midlands Police have said that they are looking at the possibility that the address was used to produce cannabis

The YouTuber quickly launched a GoFundMe page for the family, saying that the response from the local community 'has been amazing'.

He said: "I have a bit of a platform on YouTube, so I used that to ask people to donate what they could. I've done collection runs of clothes and toys after work, the response from the Walsall community has been absolutely amazing.

"I want to say thank you a huge thank you to everyone that has reached out to myself, but also the people who are just doing what they can for the families. To see the community coming together the way it has. It's fantastic."

The YouTuber said that the local response for the neighbouring family has been 'amazing'.
The YouTuber said that the local response for the neighbouring family has been 'amazing'.

West Midlands Police have said that they believe the fire was caused by butane gas canisters inside the property exploding, and that they are 'looking into the possibility' that the address was used to produce cannabis.