Along with other local stores back open for business
Debenhams department store on St Johns Road Clapham Junction has joined the growing number of Battersea shops to reopen their doors following last Monday night’s crime spree.
Debenhams head of public relations Ed Watson said: "The store still needs a little more TLC but our priority was to get up and running for both the local community and the staff that work there as quickly as possible.
"We have been overwhelmed by the messages of support and the help that we have witnessed from the local community. It's a huge thank you to everyone."
Wandsworth Council's business spokesman Cllr James Cousins said the shop's reaction is typical of the town centre's business community: "Clapham Junction has shown extraordinary resilience and character in the face of this shocking attack. Everyone you meet here, residents and business owners alike, is determined to get things back on track and to let the rest of the country see the true spirit of Battersea.
"The vast majority of shops have now dusted themselves off and got back on their feet. There is still more work to do before we have wiped out all trace of what happened here but I invite everyone to come and see for themselves that Clapham Junction is back in business."
Debenhams, TK Maxx, Boots, Tony and Guy's and Whole Foods and among the many shops to have reopened since last Monday night.
Only the very worst affected businesses remain closed and work is going on behind the scenes to return these traders to work.
Team Leader of the Whole Foods shop on Lavender Hill Paul Bennett said: "Life goes on and we are showing the community that we are here for them and ready to serve them".
Wandsworth Council is offering grants and loans of up to £15,000 to help local businesses rebuild their shop fronts. The initiative is open to all traders which suffered damage but applications from smaller shops will be prioritised.
Council leader Ravi Govindia said the financial support will help small firms to repair their premises quickly while they wait for the outcome of their insurance claims:
"We will do everything in our power to help our local businesses repair the damage they've suffered as quickly as possible. A grant or loan from the council could mean local traders can get back on their feet much sooner and we plan to extend the scheme so every shop which came under attack can apply."
The Prime Minister and the Mayor of London have also announced details of support packages designed to help riot affected businesses rebuild and return to work.
For more information on council grants and loans (know as the Town Centre Improvement Scheme) visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/business or contact John Ruske on 020 8871 7031 or jruske@wandsworth.gov.uk
For more information on the Government's support package visit www.bis.gov.uk
For more information on the Mayor of London's long term regeneration fund visit www.london.gov.uk/press_releases/mayor-of-london
August 15 , 2011