English councils have been ‘inundated’ with offers of help from the public as they lead the recovery from this month’s riots.
The Local Government Association said authorities across the
country have been providing help to riot-affected communities, including offers
of financial support for local shopkeepers and co-ordinating fundraising
appeals for people left homeless and campaigns to reclaim the streets.This follows the rioting that affected 28 of the 32 London boroughs as well as the West Midlands, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Nottingham.
Among examples of work being undertaken by councils are trading standards officers checking pawnbrokers for looted goods.
Some authorities, such as the London boroughs of Lewisham and Ealing, have put aside thousands of pounds to help local businesses get back on their feet. Both have set up £250,000 funds to revitalise the areas and businesses affected. Ealing has also established a local inquiry to review the causes of the disturbances.
LGA chair Sir Merrick Cockell said local authorities were leading the way toward long-term recovery in neighbourhoods across the country.
‘As the outrage felt across the nation subsides and life begins to return to normal on the high streets and estates attacked by rioters, councils and their communities are now focused on addressing the longer-term problems.
‘It’s vital that the victims of last week’s violence, be they shopkeepers who lost everything they spent years working for or homeowners whose treasured possessions went up in smoke, are not forgotten.’
