Net gain for tsunami region (From Warrington Guardian)

Net gain for tsunami region

PLANS to buy a fishing boat and nets for a tsunami-hit region of India have been announced by Vale Royal Borough Council.

Generous employees and councillors have all contributed cash to the appeal - totalling more than £500.

The money was presented to Jeremy Sutcliffe, a member of Vale Royal Rotary Club, by Vale Royal Mayor Clr Anne Hooker.

Jeremy travelled to the state of Tamil Nadu in India on Friday and will be making arrangements while he's there to buy the boat and nets.

Clr Hooker said: "The tsunami killed tens of thousands around the Indian Ocean and there has been a lot of publicity about Sri Lanka, Thailand and the Maldives. But there has been limited publicity about some areas of India which have been badly affected."About 9,500 people - mostly in fishing villages - died on the south coast of the Tamil Nadu state which directly adjoins Sri Lanka.

"We wanted to make sure that our help reached the survivors immediately and buying a fishing boat and nets for a fishing village seemed like a perfect idea. Everybody thought it was much more personal thing to do."

Council leader Clr Keith Musgrave added: "Vale Royal Rotary Club is planning to adopt a fishing village in the area. The council's donation will be used to buy a boat and fishing nets which will provide work and food on a long-term basis for the adopted village."