Haslemere Mayor Melanie Odell paid tribute to the whole community during a thank you visit to Hindhead on Saturday. She visited The Devils Punchbowl Hotel with Waverley Borough Councillor Jim Edwards to praise the staff and management who came to the rescue of stranded motorists and their families during the recent heavy snowfalls.

Councillor Edwards explained ‘living near the crossroads I realised there were serious hold-ups and investigated, it was about 7.30am and some of the drivers had been stranded for 14hours and were very tired and worried. After speaking to the police I asked the management of the hotel if they could help and provide hot drinks and washroom facilities. There then ensued what I can only describe as service above and beyond the call of duty with staff providing hot soup and drinks for all with other businesses and neighbours coming to the rescue in many different ways. I would particularly like to thank Barons BMW and Balfour Beatty for providing vehicles and manpower in relieving stranded motorists’.

Mayor Odell agreed and added ‘I have had numerous reports throughout the town area of support from all members of the community, it has been a very difficult period with the worst conditions in most residents living memories. It is only when the chips are down does one realise what a wonderful community we live in with strangers helping one another without a moments thought and support being given without asking. I am unable to thank all the deserving individual heroes but please extend mine and the town councils heartfelt thanks for everyone’s efforts and I am indeed very proud to be mayor of such a generous and giving town’.