TRADE unions in Doncaster in South Yorkshire have mobilised to help victims of floods in the area in the face of government inaction.

Former mining communities have also rallied in solidarity, providing victims with essentials after homes and possessions were wrecked in neighbouring villages and towns.

On Saturday night Doncaster Trade Union Council staged a benefit concert, adding £1,000 to £6,000 already raised by unions, organisations and individuals.

It featured the Morning Star’s Attila the Stockbroker.

The concert was organised by a team led by Unite Community activist Ann-Louise Bayley.

“People who had almost nothing have even less after the floods,” she said. “The government has done nothing. Boris Johnson made a visit but he was not made welcome. 

“He made a speedy visit to Bassetlaw General Hospital and he was not welcome there either. He refused to declare the floods a national emergency.”

Doncaster district was one of four areas which made up the Yorkshire coalfield before the Tories’ destruction of the coalmining industry.

Among the worst-hit flooded communities were Fishlake and Stainforth.

“Help poured in from surrounding communities,” said Ms Bayley. “Everyone has been pulling together. That’s what we do up here. We are just working-class people who are helping our own.”

Attila the Stockbroker appeared as part of his nationwide “Kick the Tories Out” tour campaigning for Labour in the general election.

“I’m too volatile to do canvassing,” he said. “I’m better off talking on stage. Anyone working class who votes Tory must be a masochist.”