Lewisham Council Offers Help For Blackheath Traders

We have asked Kevin Bonavia, Labour Councillor for Blackheath, to explain how businesses affected by recent events can get support from the local council. The rest of this post is written by Kevin (on a Sunday may we add).

During last week's London riots a number of shops in Blackheath were subject to violent attacks while the area was effectively unprotected as police were tied down dealing with major disturbances in Lewisham and elsewhere. It was a horrifying ordeal for shop managers and local residents looking on as thugs with weapons ransacked shops across the Village.

Thankfully no-one (as far as I know) got hurt and I am sure most residents and regular visitors to Blackheath will have noticed the much vamped up police presence in the area ever since then. Now for the recovery of our local businesses. For those businesses affected by the riots in the Borough of Lewisham, the Mayor has written a letter setting out advice on police assistance and making claims for insurance and Riot Damage Act payments. The letter also includes the announcement of a local Business Recovery Grant of £125,000 for businesses in most immediate need of help, as well as a lenient approach in collecting Business Rates. I know some businesses are still having affected problems with post, so the letter can be seen here.

Whilst all this help is welcome, it may be of little use if it is not given quickly given the cash flow needed by small businesses and the impact of much less trade happening since the riots. Often there is an understandable concern that paperwork can take too long to process, so if help is needed to push it along please get in touch in one of the ways listed below.

Kevin BonaviaLabour Councillor for Blackheath
Tel: 020 8314 3721

Email: cllr_kevin.bonavia@lewisham.gov.uk

Twitter: @kevinbonavia