WHITEHILL Town Council leader Cllr Andy Tree has expressed his dismay at the deteriorating situation in Ukraine.

He told the Herald he was in contact with someone who was “very distressed” because they had family and friends in the country, and wished for a return to the days of his childhood when the future looked more optimistic.

He said: “I was in primary school when the Soviet Union was dissolved and have seen the West and Russia working on more amicable terms.

“The West is now in serious conflict with Russia and it’s unbelievable to see us fall further and further into a potentially very damaging long-term dispute.

“In the past 12 months we have seen conflict around the world such as Afghanistan and oppression of ordinary people in many places.

“It makes me feel incredibly fortunate to live in the UK and not take for granted the democracy and safety that we have.”

Residents of Whitehill & Bordon have been doing their best to help the people of Ukraine by flooding the Forest Community Centre with donations of essential items in response to an appeal co-ordinated by the Whitehill & Bordon Town Partnership.

Maggie Plant, an 80-year-old volunteer who has been answering the centre’s phone, said: “It’s an absolutely amazing response. People have been absolutely extraordinary.

“One room is almost full up and there is a great big trolley, about 6ft high and 4ft or 5ft wide, absolutely chock-a-block full. There must have been 50 or 60 new bags of stuff donated in the 45 minutes since I started at 1pm.

“I’ve taken eight phone calls about it and 38 people have come in.

“A lot of people of my generation remember post-war Britain when things were in such short supply, so it is distressing to see children freezing in their mothers’ arms again.”

Blankets, toiletries for men, women and children, and sanitary wear for women are among the most crucial items required. SiGNAL’s Studio at The Shed in Bordon is also taking donations.

Dennis Vyystakin, chief executive of the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline charity which is working in Ukraine, said cheques payable to CCLL can be sent to the charity at 6 Hartley Business Park, Selborne Road, Alton GU34 3HD. Donate online at www.ccll.org.uk/donate