We need a national effort to rebuild communities after riots

‘Last Wednesday night we saw thousands take to the streets in solidarity with those at the sharp end of these attacks.’ An anti-racism rally in Walthamstow, London, on 7 August. Photograph: Victoria Jones/REX/Shutterstock

We watched in horror at the scenes of racist, Islamophobic and anti-immigrant violent disorder across the country last week. We stand in solidarity with communities, neighbours, friends and colleagues, with those who have been directly intimidated, and with those who now feel less safe.

But as Remona Aly (Opinion, 8 August) rightly points out, there have also been rays of hope. The scenes of community spirit to rebuild broken walls in the aftermath of violence in Southport. We’ve heard stories of young people using their drone skills to play a neighbourhood watch role, and keep their neighbours safe. And last Wednesday night we saw thousands take to the streets in solidarity with those at the sharp end of these attacks.