The Maida Vale and Harrow Road Councillors have worked with the charity One Westminster to launch a crowd-funding campaign to help local residents hit by last week’s floods.

Over one hundred basement flats in North Westminster were flooded on Monday 12 July as torrential rain overwhelmed Thames Water’s drainage systems. Water rose up to three feet deep in many peoples’ homes within minutes. The water was heavily polluted with sewage and everything it touched – bedding, furniture, white goods etc – has to be thrown away.

These are not luxury flats. Most of the affected families are social tenants on Kilburn Park Road and Shirland Road and many cannot afford insurance. Many are older or vulnerable residents who don’t have the capacity to deal with this level of devastation.

The crowdfunding link is here https://localgiving.org/appeal/WestminsterResidentsFloodFundraisingAppeal1/

All monies will be used to support to residents in replacing items or costs incurred due to the floods.

Councillor Nafsika Butler-Thalassis said:

“We are delighted that One Westminster is leading this initiative. In the space of a few hours, we saw at least a month’s rain fall over the northern part of Westminster in just a few hours. Not everyone has insurance, not everyone can afford an excess, not everyone has the capacity to deal with this level of devastation. Please give generously.”

Councillor Geoff Barraclough said:

“It was heart-breaking to see the devastation caused by the floods. We can’t replace precious memories but, if people give generously, we can help local families get back on their feet a little quicker.”