[Reportage] Clapham Riot Cleanup

I must admit, despite feeling insanely sad about the riots and the effect they’re having on businesses and homes, I’ve been feeling strangely frustrated that there’s pictures to be taken but I’ve not felt safe enough to get them. So when I saw on Twitter that a group were starting a clean up operation (@Riotcleanup) I knew I had to get down and get involved.

If there’s one good thing to come out of all this madness, it’s the knowing that I live near the type of people who will do anything to club together and clear up the mess. And Clapham was a mess. All the shops had their windows smashed, electrical shops had been cleaned out and there was broken glass everywhere.

Despite this, there was a wonderful atmosphere in the streets – people brandished brooms and rubbish bags and all waiting patiently to put their views across to Boris, who turned up and gave a rather limp speech.

Even the police were really helpful, one even approached me and suggested where to go for better pictures. Despite one woman taking offence to a policeman asking her to move behind the barrier, everyone was really respectful. I hope these pictures help restore your faith in the communities of London as much as being part of it did for me. Go Clapham!