Community spirit helps to rebuild Doris damage
STORM Doris might have thrown the worst weather at west London, but it did not stop Ruislip residents bringing out their community spirit.
Ruislip resident Bill Flynn was walking in Tiverton Road on Thursday February 23 when he noticed a woman trying to clear the walkway after her entire brick wall had come down in wind speeds of more than 70mph.
After seeing she might need some assistance, a team of helpers were soon on hand and spent part of the evening clearing the damage.
Mr Flynn said: “Her husband was on his way home but was some distance away and she had 3,500 bricks all over the pavement to clear up.
“I just thought she could do with some help.”
He put a call out on a Ruislip Facebook group asking if people could help her
He wrote: “The lady is on her own and would very much appreciate the help of some local residents to help clear up the mess. If you could spare half an hour also please do.”
After the mess was successfully cleared, others in the group praised the team for their community spirit.
Mary Brimble wrote: “It’s lovely to read about all the people coming together to help.
“That’s one thing I’ve noticed. When push comes to shove you see the best in your neighbours.”
Mandy Purnell added: “Well done to all who helped. Community spirit does still exist.”
London’s emergency services faced several incidents across west London on Thursday after the “weather bomb” made its impact, leaving a trails of destruction.
Heathrow flights were cancelled and travel disruptions left commuters in despair across Euston and Marylebone stations.
London Fire Brigade said it attended more than 200 Storm Doris related incidents across the capital by 7pm on February 23.
Trees had fallen in Isle- worth and Uxbridge and the roof of a Costa Coffee, in Kilburn, tore off in powerful gusts, seeing the A5 close for around two hours while fire engines dealt with roof debris.
A man was also taken to hospital with head injuries outside Victoria Station after he was hit by flying debris.