Film highlights Wolverhampton spirit after riots

A return to normality and business as usual were the clear messages from civic leaders and traders as Wolverhampton marked six months to the day that riots hit the city.  

It was on August 9 last year that troublemakers gathered in the city centre, as in many other parts of the country, causing thousands of pounds of damage to shops which were vandalised and looted. 

However, since those shocking events, the spirit of the city's retailers, supported by the  city council and its partners, very quickly resulted in things getting back to normal. 

Some of those affected have spoken about their experiences in a new film which the council has published on its Youtube channel today. 

They include inspirational city hairdresser Louise Johnson who has become something of a celebrity after her story of protecting her Queen Street salon, by standing outside as the mob approached and shouting at them to keep out, gained national press attention. 

Louise reveals in the video that she has been overwhelmed by the awards and messages of support from members of the public. 

The video also explains how the council has worked with WV One (Wolverhampton's city centre management company) to introduce initiatives to boost trade in the city centre. These include the launch of a new loyalty card, marketing campaigns promoting the city centre's 700 shops and putting large graphics in empty shop units showing people how they could look if they were occupied. 

Councillor Turner said:

"Our shops have fought back and with the resilience we've seen already from our shopkeepers who have been here for many years in some cases, we shall win."

Link to the video: www.youtube.com/wolverhamptontoday