Source link : https://london-news.net/headline-pub-landlord-opens-doors-to-displaced-residents-during-night-of-crisis/
“I was simply trying to fulfill what I believed was necessary for my role in this situation.”
“I have always recognized the significance of pubs; they are often pivotal during crises in British society.”
Joshua Burton, the owner of the Five Bells pub in New Cross, made the decision to keep his establishment open throughout the night to provide shelter for those displaced by a fire that erupted.
Approximately 100 firefighters, along with 15 fire engines, responded to the incident that took place in a flat block in New Cross on August 20th.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the fire left many residents without homes, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) reported that 34 residents were taken to Wavelengths Leisure Centre in Deptford, which served as a temporary shelter during the night, in addition to a nearby hotel.
In addition to these options, the Five Bells pub also transformed into an emergency refuge that night.
Remaining open until 6:00 AM BST on Thursday, the pub offered a safe space for those affected, and allowed firefighters to use the restrooms throughout the night.
Joshua explained to the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “My usual closing time is 11 PM, but seeing the fire’s persistence and the number of people here, mostly from the flats, I thought, ‘I’ll just keep the doors open.’ Not as a service, but simply to provide a refuge.”
As the night progressed into the early hours,…
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Author : rimmaruslan98@gmail.com
Publish date : 2025-08-31 12:04:00
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