THE people of Reading have been praised for their response to last week’s devastating fire in Rowe Court.
On Wednesday, December 15, around 3am, a block of flats
One person has been confirmed dead following the blaze and two people are still missing, while four were treated in hospital following the incident.
Hakeem Kigundu, 31 and formerly of Rowe Court, Reading, has been charged with one count of murder and one count of arson with intent to endanger life.
He appeared in Reading Magistrates Court on Saturday and at Reading Crown Court yesterday.
In the immediate aftermath of the blaze, the community rallied round to support those affected.
A team from Reading Street Pastors was on the scene from 7.30am on the morning of the blaze, and English Martyrs Church opened its doors to take care of Rowe Court residents.
Members of New Beginnings from Great Knollys Street provided clothes, FAITH offered camp beds, and CIRDIC offered towels and showers.
Members of KFC and The Lemon Plaice provided lunches, and members of Blessed Hugh Farringdon’s sixth form offered help and support.
St George’s Church, in St George’s Road, was used by the police as a hub.
And there was also support from the various Rotary groups, spearheaded by its Pangbourne branch.
Marius Hopley from Pangbourne Rotary Club which provided immediate aid to victims including clothes and toiletries, said offers of help from various groups was “magnificent”.
“The people of Reading sprung into action and it was marvellous to witness,” he said.
“All nine Reading Rotary Clubs came together to provide any assistance required. Other groups, from schools to churches, shops to Reading Borough Council were quick to get involved helping in so many ways.
“It is at times like this that you witness the wonderful community spirit in Reading. The fire was absolutely terrible and all the more tragic as it happened just ten days before Christmas but the response from people was magnificent.”
Reading Borough Council is providing seven residents with emergency accommodation. Other displaced residents are staying with family or friends.
The Council is also providing shopping vouchers to cover basic needs including food, clothing and toiletries, as well as mobile phones to those who need them.
And there is a pledge from the council to ensure all affected residents affected will be supported for as long as necessary.
The Council and local Councillors have also been contacted with generous offers of support and donations from the borough’s residents.
At this time financial donations have been identified as the best means by which to support the residents affected and displaced by the fire.
Councillor Jason Brock, Reading Borough Council Leader, said: “As emergency services continue to work tirelessly at the scene, the Council has focused its resources on ensuring that those residents who had to leave their homes, and leave all their possessions behind, are well looked after and supported. That has involved providing emergency accommodation for those who could not stay with family or friends, as well as food vouchers and mobile phones. We are in direct contact with these residents about both their short and long-term needs, and that offer of help will remain in place for as long as necessary.
“As always, Reading residents have responded with warmth and generosity in the face of adversity. The donations which are of most use to the displaced residents at this time are financial. I would ask anyone who wishes to make a financial donation to residents affected, to do so via a dedicated webpage.
“We are also urging anybody we are not already in touch with – and who may need help or support of any kind – to contact the Council on 0118 9373787 and we will signpost them to the appropriate place.”
He added: “We understand from our emergency service colleagues that they will likely remain at the scene for some considerable time yet. I thank them again for their continuing efforts in what must be extremely distressing circumstances.
“The thoughts of all Reading’s residents, and indeed everyone at the Council, remain with those who have been affected and their families at this very difficult time.”
People who wish to place floral tributes at the scene can do so at the junction of Grovelands Road and Rowe Court. An online Book of Condolence will be set up at a later stage following the police and fire recovery operation. These details will be publicised at the appropriate time.nt of murder and one count of arson with intent to endanger life.
People can make a financial donation online at a dedicated webpage set up for this appeal at https://www.reading.gov.uk/rowecourt
The Council will ensure the donations reach affected residents at the appropriate time. The Council is also aware of other organisations fundraising and will work with those groups to ensure donations reach those affected.
Residents not already in contact with the Council but who require help or support can call the Contact Centre on 0118 937 3787, where they will be signposted to the appropriate organisation. The telephone number is available to call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
