Meet Cllr Pete Allen: The winter wonder who shops and drops for Hull pensioners
VENTURING on the icy paths can be hazardous enough for anyone, but for the elderly it can be a particularly daunting experience.
Those without family or friends nearby are often forced to take their chances in order to do essential food shopping.
Now one kind-hearted community stalwart is offering to help.
Pete Allen, a city councillor, has been leafleting pensioners in west Hull, urging them to contact him if they need groceries such as bread, milk, fruit and vegetables.
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Using his 4x4, Mr Allen is driving round the area, helping out those most in need.
He said: "I did this in 2010, when there was a prolonged period of cold weather and it went down very well.
"I've been initially delivering leaflets asking those who need my help to call me.
"I'm getting them the essential things they need, such as bread, milk and potatoes.
"Last time, I was doing eight to ten trips a day and I imagine I will be doing something similar this time.
"We have been going around the pensioner bungalows and sheltered homes where people are particularly concerned about slipping on the ice."
Mr Allen believes he is in a good position to help people.
He said: "I'm fit and healthy and I have a 4x4 that can get around in these conditions.
"Some people offer to give me petrol money but I refuse. If I did take the couple of pounds people want to give me, I could probably buy a new car!"
While recent weather has not been as extreme as 2010, the length of the cold snap is forcing people to face the ice.
Mr Allen said: "Like 2010, the snow is hanging around for quite a long time so people are getting desperate.
"While the main roads are well gritted, the side roads remain in a mess."
While Mr Allen has only just started his mercy mission, he has already been receiving positive feedback.
"People have told me it's a brilliant idea," he said.
"Some of the elderly people have relatives who can help out but even they have said it's a good thing to do.
"It is surprising how many people need help with this.
"People who do have to ring up are quite desperate."
The actions of Mr Allen have been praised by Age UK.
Rachael Mather, chief executive of the Hull branch of the charity, believes contributions by the likes of Mr Allen are vital to help older people through the winter
He said: "I imagine Mr Allen will be inundated as a lot of people will be stuck at home.
"There are all sorts of things people can do to help their neighbours during the winter weather, such as clearing paths.
"When it is icy then people are particularly prone to falling.
"Among old people this can be very significant as they are at greater risk of breaking a bone.
"Also, if they are in hospital, they can get an infection.
"Falling can also have a huge effect on their confidence.
"We would advise elderly people not to go out unless it is absolutely necessary.
"It is fantastic what Mr Allen is doing but we hope most people have family and friends who can help them.
"We hope this bad weather comes to an end soon."
Age UK can give advice about coping with the cold weather, such as getting cheaper energy tariffs, recipes for warm food and other ways to stay warm.
For advice, call 01482 324644.
35 Comments
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by SantiagoTalk
Saturday, January 26 2013, 10:50PM
“I cannot believe the behaviour of some people here. Maybe you should be asking why the side streets are like skating rinks and why is it that paths and pavement in front of pensioners homes still remain covered in snow. Some of you could stand on the pavements and melt the snow with all the hot air you are spouting.”
by freespeach
Saturday, January 26 2013, 9:44AM
“Hi Pete
I have copied thousands of these comments that you and your wife have been sending and I will be sending them to every household in your constituency when the the time is right, with a cover note.
Thank you Pete
Back of the net!”
by Marmadukelad
Friday, January 25 2013, 3:52PM
“Dear Terry Jackson.
Of course they know who I am, I told them.
Now tell us who you are and give them a clue about what you have been guilty off.
I won't, against my principles to expose writers leave that to you loose tongue”
by freespeach
Friday, January 25 2013, 7:21AM
“Dear Pete Allen,
I just hope anybody reading these posts of yours realizes you're a Labour Councillor, because they are the words of a seriously deranged soul indeed.”
by Marmadukelad
Thursday, January 24 2013, 9:44PM
“freespeach or shall I call you Terry Jackson.
thats your problem, you dont think and by doing what you are doing your no better than a loose tongued gossiping animal.
As a retired Union Officer who thinks confidentiality is something you go to jail to protect, your attitude is applalling, and i will never stop telling the contributers what you have done, a disgraceful act that you seem unable to comprehend because your that animal I people have no time for.;”
by Marmadukelad
Thursday, January 24 2013, 9:28PM
“freespeach
I have just spoken to the Anita Allen, who you have exposed.and whom you have assumed is my wife or relative.
Believe it or not, she is not a relative, and her husband has asked if she is writing on the internet. I never asked her if she had a problem, not my business, its your
Now can you understand what damage a snitch like you may cause,”
by freespeach
Thursday, January 24 2013, 9:25PM
“Pete,
Seriously Mate, I've just tried reading that last post and I really think you're having a funny turn.
Can you get yourself some medical help.
No Joke.”
by Marmadukelad
Thursday, January 24 2013, 9:18PM
“freespeach. you are nothinjg but a snitch.
How do you know that the person you identified may now have to explain to some one that they are using the internet.
If the peron was connected me, no problem, however you dont know so you may have or have not now exposed some one who may have wanted to remain anonymous, just as you do.
To risk some one being identified shows your total disregard for all decency, and you use the name freespeach. your a loose tongued animal.
Shame on you.
Or by the way, i shall raise my concerns with the editor that you seem to be able to identify contributors which i thought they did ot allow.
Still i suppose they dont know you, as I do so they may not have thought some one would stoop so low.”
by freespeach
Thursday, January 24 2013, 8:33PM
“Marmadukeman, aka phoney Pete, aka unified,
You've done all this to get good publicity in the paper but because you're a bit dim, you've been caught lying for all to see.
Sad Sad Man
Let it go,
To Know you is to dislike you.”
by stantheman
Thursday, January 24 2013, 8:25PM
“Marmuadukelad. Apologies then.
I honestly thought you had lost your seat recently. I know the HDM referred to you as 'councillor' but they have been known to be wrong before.
Actually I applaud your good Samaritan act. There are many good people in this city doing very similar deeds.
Incidentally I don't agree with your views on the KC Stadium/West Park area. My view is that the city desperately needs some good news and some serious investment, which we could have and still keep a hold on the KC Stadium by offering a 199 year lease.
If you want to see a good example of this type of scheme working have a drive to the City of Manchester Stadium and see how that area had been redeveloped with public and private funding. It can and does work.”