A VOLUNTEER working in a refugee camp in France has told the Post the need for tents and clothing is increasing as the weather worsens.

Her plea comes as an appeal by Petersfield Mayor Lesley Farrow, backed by the Post, for boots, tents, sleeping bags and warm clothing closes this Friday, January 15.

It is planned to take the items to the camp at Grand Synthe near Dunkirk, where around 3,000 refugees are living rough on land earmarked for a housing estate,

Maddie Harris has been there for about four months and says after recent rain and now cold weather, the plight of the refugees is dire.

She said: “It is a quagmire, and there’s a huge problem with rats. The winds and rain have blown away the roofs of the few buildings on site, and flattened many of the tents.”

The hope the camp will stop growing appears ill founded, say other volunteers, as up to 100 refugees a day continue to arrive, carry ing back packs and bags.

They are confronted by mud, collapsed tents, unsanitary conditions, and just 20 toilets, and cold showers.

According to Maddie, who is there on behalf of the Bristol charity Aid Box Convey, efforts by French police to halt the influx to the site are making matters worse for those living there.

She said: “They are trying to control the refugees entering and leaving the site, and aren’t allowing more permanent structures, it’s getting desperate, people are really suffering, it’s inhumane.”

Donated clothing, boots, tents and sleeping bags can be left at the Petersfield Post, 33 High Street, and the office of Petersfield Town Council, Festival Hall, Heath Road, until 5pm on Friday.

Those still wishing to help can also donate money to help cover the cost of ensuring the collection gets to the camp at Grand Synthe.