Braintree district communities provide support during storms

Storm Eunice hit on Friday, causing disruption before being followed by Storm Franklin.

READ MORE >> Severe damages caused by adverse weather as multiple storms hit Essex

However, this did not disrupt the community spirit, with pubs, halls and centres inviting people to seek refuge if they were struggling with power or water issues.

The Witham Community Hub worked hard to collect food for its community fridge, also helping residents in any way it could.

Community Hub: Tina Townsend, Sarah Doutch and Karen Bailey from the community hub

Chair of trustees Tina Townsend said: “We did everything we would normally do, and only shut early because we lost power.

“We made sure everybody who was due to come in was looked after, and if they were due to pick up a support bag, they got it.

“We still did our usual community fridge collection and helped a lady with collecting her prescription during the storm, as she was concerned about the winds.

“I think the community was happy to see us open.”

The Hare and Hounds in High Garrett was just one pub that was offering help to the community.

Helping Hand: Michael Campbell says it was important to help out

It was inviting people to come in for food and drink and to keep warm.

Bosses even offered to head to vulnerable or lonely people to pick them up or send a taxi to get them to the pub.

They continued to help until the pub was also hit by electricity problems.

Hare and Hounds owner Michael Campbell said: “At the start we weren’t affected by the lack of electricity.

“We were open anyway, so we invited people to come along, and chill out, have a tea or coffee, charge their phone, just to help out.

“We had a few people that came along, then we unfortunately lost power too.

“It is about coming together and helping each other out when they need it.”

Braintree Council communities boss Frankie Ricci added: “In times like these it has been truly heart-warming to see how the community come together to support one another.

“Thank you to each and every one of you – the community spirit has really shined strong in the Braintree district.”