Forbury Gardens attacks – council praised for response with award nomination
Reading Borough Council’s (RBC) has been nominated for council of the month for its response to the Forbury Gardens terror attacks in June.
The council is one of five local authorities shortlisted for its efforts in June, with 140 different councils having been put forward for the award.
RBC was nominated by its leader, councillor Jason Brock, and shortlisted for the award by the Public Sector Executive, an independent news brand for the UK public sector, for its “outstanding community spirit”.
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Three men, friends James Furlong, 36, David Wails, 49, and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett, 39, were killed in the suspected terror attack in the park last month.
Khairi Saadallah, 25, of Basingstoke Road, is alleged to have launched the two-minute stabbing spree in Forbury Gardens, Reading, shortly before 7pm on Saturday, June 20.
Council leader Jason Brock said: “I nominated Reading Borough Council for the Public Sector Executive’s ‘Council of the Month’ to recognise the absolutely tremendous work that staff across the organisation have done in the face of the Forbury Gardens attacks.
“They worked under enormous pressure to respond and provide reassurance to the community across the town.
“I’m so proud of all their hard work, which has been integral to keeping the victims of the incident, alongside their loved ones, at the heart of our response.
“Moreover, their efforts have kept Reading’s community from being divided by hate and ensured that we all continue to celebrate our diverse and cohesive town.
“It has been the most magnificent team effort and my thanks go out to everyone involved.
“I’m delighted that, out of 140 applications, we have already been shortlisted in the top 5 and, whatever the eventual outcome, that by itself is testament to our council’s team.”
The winner is being decided by the public on Twitter. Click here to vote for Reading, which is currently in second place, being pipped by Richmond.
The other four councils up for the award are:
- Hounslow, for contributions to the climate emergency
- Belfast City Council, for fighting for local growth
- Richmond Council, for innovative communication with the community
- Kirklees Council, for creative solutions for young learners
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