DIYWEEK.net

Carpetright owner Lord Harris of Peckham has made a donation to help those who lost their homes when his Tottenham store was burnt down in last Saturday’s riots.
The top floor of the store on Tottenham High Road was run by the Metropolitan Housing Partnership (MHP), a not-for-profit charity, and subdivided into 26 flats, all of which were completely destroyed in the blaze.

Now, Lord Harris has joined forces with the MHP to help those who lost everything.

He said: ""We're appalled by the senseless destruction of our Tottenham store, along with so many other local businesses, in last Saturday night's disturbances. The impact on many hard working members of the local business community, and on the many people whose homes above the store were also destroyed will be huge and they are the innocent victims of this deeply regrettable incident."

Speaking to Channel 4 News, Lord Harris said he had met all of those left homeless by the fire, and that when they get new homes he will ensure they get enough money to "keep them going for a month".

MHP chief executive Bill Payne told DIY Week: "Lord Harris has put his hand in his pocket and made a very generous donation, plus he and his suppliers have made a commitment to help those families and it's just a tremendous gesture of solidarity from companies and businesses. We had a meeting of all the residents, and without the wish for any publicity he turned up to help with two or three of his staff. They spend most of the afternoon there talking to people. He was just there because he was so upset for those poor souls."

Mr Payne also said some building societies are refusing to offer a mortgage holiday to those affected, meaning residents who have lost their homes may still have to struggle to make their payments.

He added: "If any of your readers would like to help 26 families I think residents would be very grateful." For more information visit www.mhp-online.co.uk.