he priest of a church that became a focal point for Grenfell fire survivors said “people still don’t feel they’ve received justice” six years on.
Father Gareth Wardell, of St Clement Church – a short walk from the tower, has supported many victims, including children, who suffered trauma and lost all their possessions on June 14, 2017.
He said the impact of the blaze “continues to be felt deeply”. But multiple faiths in west London pulled together “to make sense of what happened and draw comfort”.
Fr Wardell told the Standard: “The issue of justice for Grenfell is a key one and people still don’t feel they’ve received it.
“There’s a sense of waiting until the outcome of the Grenfell Tower inquiry and any prosecutions that may follow.
“In the longer term, there’s the issue of how the tragedy is memorialised and what happens to the remains of the tower.
“Those are all parts of holding the authorities to account for their loved ones.”
The parish’s Clement James Centre continue their work supporting survivors.
But Fr Wardell said he wasn’t surprised by how “close-knit” and deprived communities in North Kensington and Notting Dale bonded in the aftermath.
“At our parish primary school, there were a number of children impacted by the fire and we seek to provide appropriate encouragement.
“Overall, the impression is a community united to ensure lessons are learned.
“From tragedies like this, good things can come and the best in people is drawn out.”
An annual silent walk and speeches on the anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, which killed 72 people, will be held on Wednesday night. People are asked to gather at Notting Hill Methodist Church from 6pm.
