The morning after the trouble ended there were inspiring scenes in the town centre as hundreds of local people started to arrive - brushes in-hand - to help clean up the mess and get traders back on their feet. Within a few hours of the clean up operation getting underway the streets were clear and now, two days later, all but the worst hit businesses have reopened their doors to the public and the streets are filled with shoppers.

Leader of Wandsworth Council Ravi Govindia was at the town centre again today to meet with local traders and residents.

He said:
"I'm delighted to report that it is business as usual in Clapham Junction. The town still bares some nasty scars from last Monday's lawlessness but doors are open and the overwhelming feeling on the streets is positive and defiant.

"All but the very worst affected shops are back in business and work is going on frantically behind the scenes to get these traders back on their feet. The council will do everything it can to help, including offering refurbishment grants and assistance with business rate relief and insurance claims.

"The most important thing we can all do to help is to keep visiting the town centre to do our shopping and show our support."

Whole Foods on Lavender Hill is one of the shops to reopen despite coming under attack on Monday night. Team leader Paul Bennett said:
"Life goes on and we are showing the community that we are here for them and ready to serve them".

Local resident Kirsty Barnes, who was out shopping in the town centre today, said:
"I don't want these thugs to ruin the best community I know". 

At the start of the week a small number of businesses also came under attack in Putney, Tooting and Balham. Local communities have rallied round these traders and the council is offering its full support in getting them back on their feet.

Today both the Prime Minister and the Mayor of London have announced details of support packages designed to help riot affected businesses rebuild and return to work. The council is also offering grants and loans of up to £15,000 to help local traders restore their shop fronts.
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 jruske@wandsworth.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