COLLECTION points have been created in Chepstow for much-needed donations to help the refugees living in makeshift camps in Calais.

Volunteer group Help Calais Chepstow, who are running the drop-off points, are calling for items of warm and waterproof clothing, sturdy footwear, toiletries, camping equipment and food supplies to improve the living conditions of the refugees. Volunteers are also asking for donations of storage boxes and any business that can supply temporary storage facilities.

The team has linked up with the network of groups arranging convoys of supplies and aid to be delivered to Calais. These include Calais Action, whose closest convoy goes from Newport, and Monmouth based action group INEED, who aim to make their first humanitarian trip to Calais on the 16th September.

Emily Boyd, who created the Chepstow group, had this to say: “I’d seen many places where items were being collected but saw nowhere in Chepstow. So I created the Facebook group on Thursday night (3rd September) and straight away was overwhelmed by the support I found by local residents.

“Continued donations are needed to help the refugees in Calais, especially as winter is coming. If you want to get involved in any way please contact us or come down to one of the drop off points.”

Drop off locations and times are as follows:

Chepstow Baptist Church on Lower Church Street

Monday: 2.30pm - 4.30pm

Wednesday: 9.30am -11.30am, 6.30pm-7pm

Friday: 9.30am - 11.30am

Tiffin Tea Shop on St Mary’s Street

Monday - Friday: 10am - 3pm

These times will continue until further notice.

For a comprehensive list of items that are needed, updates on the collection-drive, and for any other offers of support, you can contact Chepstow Helps Calais at [email protected] or follow @HelpCalaisNP16 on Twitter, or find their Facebook group at www.facebook.com/HelpCalaisChepstow