Emergency appeal launched for Stoke Newington businesses left ‘fighting for survival’ after building collapse

The High Street is expected to be closed until 18 February. Photograph: Local Buyers Club

An emergency appeal has been set up for Stoke Newington traders dealt a “bitter blow” after a partial building collapse left them with no access to their businesses.

Rubble rained down on the High Street from a parapet on the four-storey building, and the road is expected to be closed until 18 February as the council attempts to make it safe.

Heidi Early, chair of Stoke Newington Business Association, said: “Around 20 businesses are impacted by this. In one dramatic moment, everything changed.

“They can’t access their shops at all. They can’t get to their stock so trading online or anywhere else is tricky.

“Small businesses don’t have big financial buffers to see them through moments like this – there is an immediate cash-flow issue and some are now fighting for survival.”

Those affected include a charity shop, a bakery, a dentist, a butcher, an optician, a hair salon, and many more.

Early added: “Our heart goes out to the businesses forced to close and the residents evacuated from their homes.

“Just as traders were getting back on their feet post-pandemic, another period of enforced closure is a bitter blow and leaves some on a knife-edge.

“Independent businesses are a massive part of what makes Stoke Newington so special and we’re urging the public to step up and give what they can to help.”

Donations to the appeal, which has so far raised close to £3k of its £10k target, will be distributed by Stoke Newington Business Association to the businesses most impacted by the incident.

May Linn Bang of Knit with Attitude, one of the shops forced to close until further notice, said: “The main thing is of course that no one is injured, but for us the consequences of being closed, even for a few days are quite dramatic.

“As with many small businesses, the difference between making it and breaking is balancing on what sometimes feels like a very thin line.

“I cannot deny that I am worried about our cash flow.”

To donate, visit: gofundme.com/f/brduvn-n16-local-shop-emergency-cash-flow-fund