PREGNANT TV presenter Angellica Bell popped along to Ealing on Saturday to help her father, council leader Julian Bell, launch the Shop Local campaign.
The mum to be was joined by her TV presenter husband, Michael Underwood, as they browsed for clothes for their first child due this December.
The happy family started at Baby-e boutique, in Ealing Green - one of the worst hit areas during the riots on August 8 - before visiting riot hit businesses in West Ealing.
The visit came on the day Ealing Council launched its Shop Local campaign with free parking in six council owned car parks in Ealing and West Ealing in an effort to encourage shoppers to support local businesses in the wake of the disorder.
Angellica, who grew up in Ealing and attended Notting Hill and Ealing High School, said: "It's sad that so many independent businesses in Ealing were devastated by the riots.
"It's good to see that shops are starting to reopen, but I know for some it will be many months before they fully recover. The best thing we can now do to help people get back on their feet is to support small businesses by shopping in riot hit areas - and we're happy to do our bit."
Backed by Ealing Business Improvement District, the free parking will operate in the following car parks every weekend in September:
* Springbridge Road, Ealing
* Perceval House, Ealing
* South Ealing Road, South Ealing
* Deans Gardens, West Ealing
* Arden Road, West Ealing
* Witham Road, West Ealing
Mr Bell said the community's support has been 'absolutely exceptional.' He added: "There's a real sense of pride in the area and everyone really is keen to do what they can help, so I'm sure we'll get a lot of support for our Shop Local campaign."
Every small independent business directly affected by the riots was handed out a £1,200 payment by the council to help as they await insurance claims. Ealing Green Local Supermarket, which was set ablaze, and the Green Mango cafe next door each received a £20,000 repayable grant, as they will be closed for several more months.
