Projections to go on as West Norfolk relief effort for Ukraine continues

Public buildings in Lynn will continue to be lit up in the colours of the Ukrainian flag until further notice.

The announcement by West Norfolk Council leaders this afternoon comes as efforts continue across our area to deliver humanitarian aid to people affected by the ongoing war.

And one haulage company boss, whose premises are acting as a co-ordination centre, has described the response as "amazing".

Blue and yellow projections have been displayed on several public buildings in Lynn each evening since a vigil was held outside the town hall a week ago tonight.

Council leader Stuart Dark said the authority would be providing details of how residents can support relief efforts shortly.

He added: “We know there are many local residents – including members of our own staff – who are shocked and affected by the Putin regime’s invasion of Ukraine and we are working up plans with partners to support refugees who may arrive in Norfolk."

Independent group leader Terry Parish said: "The world needs rid of two, quite different, virulent causes of death. One of them is Covid. Long live Ukrainian resistance to the other."

His Labour counterpart, Charles Joyce, added: "The war in Ukraine has no just cause. Bullies in any form from anywhere are unwelcome and cannot be allowed to succeed.

"Wherever they may live everyone who seeks peace and justice has no option other than to stand with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes."

Meanwhile, community groups and businesses are continuing their own efforts to support those displaced by the invasion.

The Waites and Stones haulage yard in Swaffham has been acting as a co-ordination centre for donations and is hoping to send two trucks on the long journey east within the next few days.

Transport manager Zoe Waites said they were particularly keen to ship over medical supplies during an initial run and will take them where they are able to get to.

Of the response, she said: "It's been amazing. I don't know whether, after Covid, it's that people have needed something to get their teeth into.

"For me, it's the fact it could easily be any of us. What we're doing is the very least any of us can do."

An 18-tonne lorry full of donated supplies was taken to the site from the Vets One group's base at Crimplesham earlier today and £6,000 has been donated by supporters to buy a trailer to help the effort.

A Facebook post from the group today said: "It has been an emotional week. A week of kindness. A week of community. I am speechless."

Elsewhere, more than 400 bags of clothes were also donated during a collection at the Bar and Beyond premises in Norfolk Street, Lynn, yesterday.

Bosses of a popular Lynn bar say they have been "blown away" by public support for their appeal to support those affected by the war in Ukraine.

General manager Steve Barr said: “We have been blown away by the response to our Ukraine refugee appeal and the overwhelming generosity of local people."

He said the company is working with the British Red Cross and its partners in Poland to deliver goods to where they are most needed.