Community Praised for 'Remarkable' Response to Parsons Green Attack

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One week on, local residents and businesses thanked for their help on a traumatic day

The response of the Fulham Community to last week's terrorist attack on a District Line train at Parson's Green Station has been hailed as 'remarkable' by members of H&F Council.

Emergency services, local business owners and residents all came together to help everyone affected by the partially exploded bomb.

Local residents opened up their homes, offering to put the kettle on for both those who had been involved in the incident and neighbours who had been evacuated. Residents of nearby Lancaster Court Estate, meanwhile gave up their time to help at a rest centre set up by the council.

The Ashville Surgery, which is yards from the station, worked with Bobby Chana, owner of Chana Chemist in North End Road to provide emergency medication for residents at the rest centre.

"It was great to see all the community mucking in together," said Bobby. "The community spirit was absolutely amazing with everyone helping each other out after such a horrible event."

Local businesses pitched in too, handing out free food and drinks to those affected and the emergency services.

Dave Spoerry, the deputy manager at the White Horse pub in Parsons Green invited victims of the terror attack into the pub where they were given tea, coffee and soft drinks throughout the day. The pub also provided lunch to the victims as well as to staff at the next door Parsons Green Walk-in Centre.

"I was here when the attack happened and we welcomed around 60 people," Dave said. "Everyone was so patient and thankful that they had somewhere to sit and be taken care of. It was the least we could do after such a horrid thing happened in our community."

Teo Catino, owner of Il Pagliaccio restaurant in Wandsworth Bridge Road, arrively quickly at the scene and set up a stall on the edge of Parsons Green, offering pizzas and water to members of the emergency services. During the day he gave out 200 pizzas and gallons of water to grateful police, firefighters and NHS staff.

"I always try to do my bit for the community," Teo said. "When a tragic thing such as a terrorist attack happens on your doorstep you need to drop everything and put the community first – and that is what we saw on Friday. Everyone came together and took care of one another."

At Lady Margaret School, Headteacher Elisabeth Stevenson paid tribute to her staff and to the local community, saying: "I was incredibly proud of my colleagues and of our students, all of whom reacted with good sense, good humour and with great kindness. Everyone looked after each other throughout the day.

"We also had great support from parents and from local clergy, particularly Rev Tim Stilwell from St Dionis, and we had clear and helpful advice from the police. And thanks to Kevin Sharkey, manager at Little Waitrose in Parsons Green, who provided us with emergency extra food which was much appreciated by all and made a big difference.

"It was a day which showed the great strength of our school community, and we are incredibly thankful that all were safe and well."

H&F Council also has particular thanks for the tenant and residents’ association from the Lancaster Court Estate, including Shelly Cracknell, Tina Chamberlin, Mandy Golding and Marie Thomas, who along with council staff, helped open the rest centre and offered support to those affected during the day-long evacuation of local homes.

Cllr Sue Fennimore, Deputy Leader of Hammersmith & Fulham Council, said: "I would like to thank everyone who responded so quickly and bravely to help those in need. Our hearts go out to those injured in the attack.

"Friday was a deeply traumatic day, but the response from local residents, businesses, schools, the police, emergency services and local places of worship was outstanding and we offer our sincere thanks to them all."

September 22, 2017