Bomb blasts council into swift action

Ealing social services department’s emergency plans swung into
action within minutes of last week’s terrorist bomb attack, which
occurred less than half a mile from their offices.

Staff immediately checked the client index to identify
vulnerable people within the area cordoned off by the police, which
included 35 older residents of a sheltered housing unit.

A rest centre was quickly set up which acted as a reception site
for people affected by the blast. Families forced to leave their
homes were taken to emergency accommodation provided by the
council. The department also provided counselling and meals.

A council spokesperson said: “We were delighted with the way the
service operated and the speed with which it responded.”