A COUNTY Durham team of volunteers ready to send thousands of donations to Ukrainian refugees have spoken of their frustration because post-Brexit rules means they can't.

Volunteers in the Consett and Shotley Bridge area were due to send the first of four lorries to Poland on Wednesday (March 9).

That followed a massive effort from everyone in the community which saw much-needed items including nappies, wet wipes, toiletries and clothes donated.

Read more: County Durham community send aid to Ukrainian refugees

However, their plans have been put on hold after they were told they needed a "T1 form" and a customers representative in Europe to sign it off.

The Northern Echo:

Kathryn Rooney, a Durham County Councillor for Consett North, who has helped spearhead monumental effort in the town, said confusion had led to the setback.

Cllr Rooney told The Northern Echo: “Apparently the T1 form – required for non-community goods - has to include your planned route, which port you are leaving from and which countries you are passing through and what is on the truck.

“That is examined at every country you pass through. And when you reach your destination it has to be signed off - but it has to be by a named customs agent.

“We have had so many conflicting stories of what is needed over the last couple of days. "We have spoken to the Polish society in Newcastle and they are saying we could join their convoy.

The Northern Echo:

“But it would not be feasible. Their T1 form may not be valid for trucks following.”

Cllr Rooney said when she booked the lorry she thought it would be arranged by the haulier, but was told the client would have to arrange it.

She added: “They are now saying we need to send the goods to a registered charity, including a VAT registration number which is absolutely ludicrous, the way things are going on at the moment.

“Apparently there are loads of trucks that have gone over without this document which have been turned around and sent back, so we definitely need to get it sort. It’s not something we can just chance.

"It's very frustrating, with all the stuff we have. We have to get it over."

The rules mean the volunteers have been left in limbo, but say they are hoping the issues will be resolved in coming days.

Cllr Rooney joined forces with Jo Soulsby and Consett Junior School headteacher Paul Dixon to collect a range of much-needed supplies, including nappies, wet wipes, toiletries, duvets, clothes and much more. 

The Northern Echo has contacted the HMRC for comment. 

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