Reply to THIS thread
Start a NEW Talkback Thread
Talkback Home

Empty shops and vandalism - Jay (28th Apr 2007 - 18:57:34) Is nobody but me worried about all the empty shops in Station Road and the possibility of the area sinking into disrepair, encouraging vandalism etc?

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Natalie Dodson (29th Apr 2007 - 08:58:17) My family has been trying to open a shop in Station Road for the last ten months with no success. It is not that potential businesses do not want to be in liphook rather that we receive no co-operation from the lease holders or owners of the vacant shops. Much to our dissapointment we have had to look in other towns and villages. I think that it is really sad that everyone seems to have lost interest in Liphook and that they do not see that potential of our beautiful village. You are right - without some changes station road is doomed.

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Jay (29th Apr 2007 - 22:11:56) I can't see why leaseholders would wish to thwart potential lessees. Is it a question of money, or is your family business unusual in some way?

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Paul Robinson (30th Apr 2007 - 06:34:48) Believe me, as one who has from time to time tried to lease retail premises, landlords or, more often, their agents are very tardy when it comes to agreeing a lease. There are rarely any grounds for negotiation and an attitude of 'take it or leave it' is very much the order of the day. Staggeringly long leases with 'upwards only' rent reviews suggest that they have no conception of the current parlous state of retailing and care even less. Paul Robinson

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Sue W (30th Apr 2007 - 12:47:52) Jay, I think you must have missed a number of postings on this subject. There are some like myself who felt so passionatley about the future of Station Road, that I started to use this site. I did feel that I was the only one, with an exception of a few and those who thought we were rather 'shanty' town. I hope they noticed one Landlord had his premisses painted last week!!, and the new Indian take-away has potted palms outside. (front & Back). I still am unable to work out why such numbers of people never use station road, except when Sainsburys was closed. The number of comments made that people did not realise we had a bakers or cafe just left me dumb struck. Both business have been there for donkeys years!!. With the lack of trade, I had to make the decision to close our Housewares department of the Hardware Store - wow!!. Trade has just booooomed! but again large numbers still admitted that it was the first time they had ever been in!!. Most were extreamly surprised by the variety of products available. May I say - if you use it; you dont lose it!! PS we do have free available parking outside the shops in Station Road, and we monitor the 'long time' parkers with notices - reminding them of the time limit one hour in the main road - two hours along the side road! Sue

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Jay (2nd May 2007 - 07:59:36) What about some notices on people using the 5-hour maximum stay car park near the Doctor's surgery? It is more than big enough as the whole of it is limited to 5 hours. Yet some of the cars are there for days! I've been using that car park for years and know that, frequently, genuine visitors to the shops find the car park full, when lots of the people are just using it while they commute. Perhaps they ought to make people put a ticket on all these cars giving their time of arrival, that would soon show up the offendors. Maybe a group of interested people could get together to put an unofficial time of arrival under windscreen wipers every hour, so that if a warden visits he can see at a glance who the culprits are! We could get a roster going...

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - jay (2nd May 2007 - 10:52:43) As a relatively new resident of Station Road, I know next to nothing about the landlords who own the shops, and whether they, or the tenants are responsible for external maintenance. However, it is clear that nobody is doing a very good (and in one case, frankly appalling) job, and this has contibuted to the general air of decay. Everything usually comes down to money, and the landlords are doing themselves, and the community, a great disservice if they demand rents above what the market will support. Station Road is heavily trafficked, so why don't more people stop to do their casual shopping? It must be the lack of off-street parking. With the demise of Somerfields, a small general store and newsagent should thrive, as should any speciality shop. Council planners cannot legislate to make this happen, but if wardens visited more often and issued fines, then persistent offenders would soon stop parking when they commute to London. When there are more empty shops than occupied ones, the neighbourhood will slip into an irreversible spiral of dereliction. We must fight to stop this happening. I know that I'm preaching to the converted, but we should all patronise the businesses that remain, and not travel further afield just to save a few pennies.

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - liz (2nd May 2007 - 11:57:12) This may be a bit cynical but it does cross my mind that the landlords (whoever they are) perhaps don't really care if the Station Road area steadily declines. - Because then it will be 'ripe for redevelopment' and they can make 'loadsamoney'. I hear that some of the leases available are quite onerous, but that's just village gossip I hope.

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - J (2nd May 2007 - 15:08:15) You've hit the nail on the head there I think Liz because I cant quite work out why the rents and rates are so high I understand its by a station but thats about it. J

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Jay (2nd May 2007 - 18:48:54) I think that it is more than possible that landlords think that residential development would be much more profitable than shops. This would require planning permission, of course, and I'm sure that the Council would resist any change of use. We, as residents, must keep vigilant and fight any attempt to change the character of Station Road.

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - gen (2nd May 2007 - 22:47:42) What character was that, Jay? :-)

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - sue W (3rd May 2007 - 08:54:52) Gen/liz What character? - everything has character - good or bad. People seem to feel the need to change everything, because it doesn't 'suit' anymore. Like cosmetic surgery. It seems that the calling is for a more modern shopping experience, and in someways thats true. I also agree with Liz that commercial properties at present seem more money making sold for housing. I have felt that in Liphook for a while now. Also there are a number of landlords who have no connection with a business/live in Station road, apart from a very small few. As regard to the state of some of the properties, we have covered this under a different posting subject. Just to update, re-my landlord and the offending missing balcony rails - I received a letter demanding payment of the insurance, which i withheld until the protective barrier was replaced. I replied with the useful info provided by a poster a few weeks ago and my concerns - this has been forwarded to the Landlord via his Solicitors. Lets hope it works!! On the matter of planning permission not being granted to knock down business - would the Jet Station remain open if permission there was to be refused? - probably.

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - gen (4th May 2007 - 00:15:20) Sue My flip remark was only teasing, couldn't resist it! I do agree with most of what you say, and it's great that someone is passionate about doing something about things - too many of us suffer from inertia. Go for it, girl!

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - jay (6th May 2007 - 10:39:54) As a matter of interest, does anyone remember what existed on the south side of Station Road before the present shops were built? Obviously, one developer built the whole parade, and from the architectural style he chose, I would guess thar it must have been in the seventies and done on the cheap. It looks terribly dated now and maintenance must be a nightmare (I bet that all those valley gutters leak). I see that no 12a has painted the rear of his premises a nice dark brown. If all the landlords could be persuaded to adopt the same colour for fascias and balustrading, then things would immediately look better. White paint soon stains, and when it begins to peel, it looks just awful. With a number of different landlords, I imagine that it would prove impossible to get a consensus on a thing like that?

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - gen (6th May 2007 - 12:36:10) It's time East Hants stepped in and took a look at the whole station Road set-up, the car parking as well as the appearance of the area.

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Jenny (6th May 2007 - 14:36:56) I lived in Station Road for over 10 years and when we first moved (with my parents) it was a road full of shops - i remember the bakers, a restuarant, a greengrocers (which me, my mum and my brother all worked in!) and many many more - as far as i am aware it was one of the reasons that mum parents brought the house they did. I now live in Haslemere but still visit Liphook often - the general wine co. is the best wine shop around - and it makes me really sad to see how down Station Road is becoming. Weyhill in Haslemere is having the same problem and at one point all of the traders got together and helped each other sort cosmetic problems out - some helped with the painting, some people donated flowers in planters and generally they made their own little community to operate in. This doesn't seem like much but it really cheered the road up and people took to walking past and popping in the shops again. Could something like this be set up in Liphook? Is there a Liphook chamber of commerce or a traders organsiation? The only way to bring people back and away from the Tesco's and Sainsburys of the world is to get people involved. How about a special offer day down the whole road - every shop does 10% off? These are just random ideas through - don't know how possible any of them are? Jen

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Gen (6th May 2007 - 16:57:48) You're a breath of fresh air, Jen. We need someone like you here now!

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - linda (7th May 2007 - 09:28:38) I would encourage any one to open a shop in Station road I have one and it is a very friendly place to be. Here in Peep Inside we try very hard to look after the front by sweeping and picking rubbish up which has been greatly improved by the help of the council. I plant the tubs and when the vandels remove the plants I re plant! We can win over the large shops by offering friendly personal service and always time for the customer It's easy to park and we look forward to seeing everyone so please shop here in Station road.

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - dave (7th May 2007 - 19:05:08) I agree that cars left parked for hours should be monitored, as some of these people do leave their cars there for commuting. But some of the cars are residents, I for one live on Station Road and have no where to park other than on the street. I have had my car damaged a few times, and after reading the posts about putting notes on windscreens etc, can't help but wonder if the damage has been done by some 'caring residents' thinking I am a commuter who has dumped my car!!!!

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - gen (7th May 2007 - 23:30:09) I'm sure nobody would damage a car on purpose, and I quite agree that it is different for residents with nowhere to park. It is easy enough for the authorities to check from number plates whether people are local or not, and see where they live. It's these people with lovely cars who come and park for free all day, keeping out people who really need the spaces, that really irritate me. I've been using that car park for years to come to the hairdresser's and the charity shops and there is always trouble parking at about mid-morning when the surgery is busy.

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - sue W (8th May 2007 - 11:56:21) Dave You are certainly barking up the wrong tree - if you think that those who remind parkers of the time limit would stoop to damaging a car!! you only have to stand around the shops to see that most damage is done by other carless/stupid drivers. Many drive off without even stopping to give addresses, we do the best we can to spot the offenders - but are not traffic patrols.

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Dave (8th May 2007 - 15:02:41) SUE The damage done to my car was certainly not by another car. I totally agree that something should be done about commuters leaving their car there all day and often over night, as it is as annoying for residents having no where to park, as it must be for your shoppers to have no where. But I think consideration should be taken for residents, who have to park somewhere and for more than 5 hours!!!!!

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - gen (8th May 2007 - 17:02:51) Certainly is a problem for locals without spaces. I made very sure when we decided to move that the most important thing was to have somewhere for the car.

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - sue W (8th May 2007 - 19:36:03) dave I am totally confused now. One minute people want to park for over 5 hours unhindered, and the next they want those who outstay their time moved on. Cake & eat it??. Who is going to patrol those that Live there and those that dont - please dont say a note or something similar - as any fool can copy it. I am really sorry that your car has been damaged, but hinting that it must have been someone with a leaflet was wrong. (if you park in the 5hr stay - you would never have been leafletted anyway, those are reserved for the 1-2hr parking spaces only). If you feel strongly enough, you could always take note of the offending Cars - low betide you if you pick another resident who you do not know (or a friend visiting). It seems that the only way of moving off the station parkers is to charge for all parking, night and day, NOT a move that would benifit you or the traders!!.

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Dave (8th May 2007 - 20:22:32) You really do have an opinion on EVERYTHING dont you,and ofcourse you are always right!! I was simply trying to say that it is difficult for residents to park on Staion Road and that people should consider that not all cars that are left for long periods of time are commuters. I did not say I parked in the surgery area car park, my point was that as you are only legally allowed to park an hour in Station Road the only other option would be the car park by the surgery, but as even that is only 5 hours that still is no good for residents. I was trying to say I can see the problem from all sides, and have no magic solution, I was just saying that residents do struggle to park, as I know many of my fellow Station Road residents share this problem. It just struck me that everyone presumes the 'persistent parkers' are commuters, but a few of the regular cars are residents. As usual no one else is allowed to have an opinion on here unless you agree with it. This should be called Sue's talkback. I do not see why you have to constantly get on the offensive about everything, I was mereley stating that the residents of Station Road struggle for parking, I do not have any solutions to this though. I was actually originally replying to the person who mentioned putting notes on window screens and had they considered that not all the cars were commuters!!!!

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Dave (8th May 2007 - 20:25:50) SUE Oh and I also have far more interesting things to do than note down 'persiting offenders' as you call them!!! I never said I had a leaflet either, I said I wonder if it was someone who viewed my car as 'a commuter' had decided to damage it. So I suggest you read posts properly before you start one of your famous rants!!!!

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Michelle (9th May 2007 - 09:40:16) DAVE I am also a resident on Station Road, and agree it is really frustrating for parking. Although Sue seems to discount the idea (whats new, lol) I have spoken to the Traffic Warden and she told me to put a note in my window screen stating I am a resident and in brackets where I live above, although as pesimestic Sue points out people can copy this, the point is the Traffic Warden will try and knock on your door to ask you to move it (only to the other side of the road) and so at least you dont get a ticket. (and believe it or not, she does come around a fair bit during the week!) Aside from that there is no magic solution, but at least then it does indicate you are a resident, even to the wannabe parking attendents that want to start puttin time of arrival etc on cars!!!

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - sue (9th May 2007 - 09:58:45) Dave, I am entitled as well as anyone else to have an opinion, and know all too well that others will not agee. The parking problem is and has been a concern of ours for some time. If you read my comments you will note that I have sympathy for residents, and as far as i am concerned these are not the problem!!. I am sorry if you feel that i did not read you post properly, but try re-reading your post of 7th May. You joined the words leaflets, caring residents and damage to your car!!. All i was saying is that dont go looking for the culprits in leafleters or residents!! MY OPINION.

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Freddie Dawkins (9th May 2007 - 11:09:49) When I worked in General Wine, we used to liaise with Sue and Trevor in the Hardware shop and the lady in the Chinese next door, over the problem of blocking spaces intended for shoppers and residents. We had a polite notice that we used to leave on windscreens, when we noticed people parking all day, for more than three days in a row. It always worked and people used to find other places to park - like the car park. So we managed to encourage a few regular commuters to be a bit more reasonable. However, as a little aside, there was one shop (it shall remain nameless) where the manager always used to insist on parking her car outside other people's (and ususally across two spaces). One day we left a notice on her car. She was so furious with us, she sent one of her assistants out to move the car. But from then on she used her own parking space at the rear of the shop. I was in Station Road on Bank Holiday Monday. What a depressing site to see all the shops closed or empty. As others have said, we used to have a restaurant, a greengrocers, a secondhand/antiquey place, a Barclays Bank, etc. Something quite radical does need to be done unless we want to lose the good businesses that are still there. Freddie

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - jay (9th May 2007 - 15:51:13) I know that people get very upset by car parking, but the subject is empty shops and dereliction. I was heartened by Jenny's response about the initiative shown by local shopkeepers and their efforts to clean up an area not dissimilar to Station Road. This would be fantastic if enough people with influence could get together to bring this about. What about the Civic Trust? They work with Local Authorities to get rid of traffic signs and unecessary clutter, and provide a design service for co-ordinating landscaping, colour schemes etc. They have even persuaded chains like Woolworths and MacDonalds to change their standard fascias in areas of historic importance. They have powers way beyond those of local traders, and I wonder whether Liphook would be a suitable case for their magic touch. Who is our Ward Councellor? He (or she) could approach the Planners to see if they are interested in making Station Road (or the whole of Liphook for that matter) a more attractive and vibrant community. Some cost must be involved, but it should be worth exploring the possibilities. I am new to the area and ignorant of the political balance of power, but if a sufficient number of voters make their wishes known (and the number of entries on this page indicate there are a few of us) then someone should be prepared to take up cudgels on our behalf.

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - dave (9th May 2007 - 18:41:47) Jay, Yeah you are right the main issue is all pulling together to try and do something to help Station Road. (parking is a whole different thread!!!) I think the idea of maybe getting a group in the village to help with the painting etc would be a good idea as there are definatley enough people that care. Maybe some community fund raising to raise funds for materials. I know it is only a start but might boost spirits and get enough people together to knock some ideas around in person rather than on here. Enough people seem to look on here to maybe arrange something to try and get things kick started.

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - JWM (9th May 2007 - 19:37:53) I thought the parking was for people using the shops. Sorry to hear your car has been damaged but I doubt it was done by a shop owner. Maybe you should of thought about where you were going to park your car before you bought/rented your property without its own space.

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Dave (9th May 2007 - 20:26:18) I thought we had dropped the parking issue on this thread!? But meaning as u asked, my landlord assured me there was no problem to park outside the shop and the previous tennants/staff etc had never had any problems and there were never wardens etc etc. So I took their word for it, and since I moved in the parking signs have been replaced and the Traffic Warden has started to come round. It is frustrating, but only really when working from home, as I know some other people living on Station Road have this problem. We still need somewhere to park tho!! and the only point I ever tried to make was that not all 'long term parkers' are commuters!

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Candyfloss (10th May 2007 - 08:59:38) Dave This isn't about the parking, but more of the background to why the signs were not there when you moved in. As with anything, things seem to take forever to happen. The original sign was 'hit', and had to be removed. It was the efforts of shopkeepers working with the local council that achieved the new signs. There was no point in a warden at the time, because there was no legal limit on display. As for the painting - good idea, and i am sure many people would be able to help. In the past a shop owner paid for the trees to be planted in front of the bakers etc. I think there is only 2 left, some were knocked down by cars - the others vandals. Talking of dangerous roads, have you ever tried to cross to the post box/cafe and back in station road, the corner is completely blind and cars speed. I have approached the council on either a crossing or moving the post box, but on the crossing was told - unlikely as it took so long and costly to do the one in Headly road, we all know about that!! Perhaps a few letters(!) to the PO may get the box moved to a better location. Not the best place now anyway, because people eating alfresco are wedged against it. I think the tables and chairs offer a good touch to the street. Perhaps the same 20mph limit in the square be applied to Station Road too!! Candyfloss

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - gen (11th May 2007 - 17:38:45) I was interested in the point about maybe getting the Civic Trust involved. I imagine this must cost money?

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - jay (11th May 2007 - 17:53:30) This is what it says on the website civictrust.org.uk Civic Champions is a unique business and personal development programme for residents and volunteers who are passionate about the wellbeing of their communities. The programme enables Champions to develop local Social Enterprises to deliver products and services to the communities in which they live and work.

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - gen (12th May 2007 - 09:30:22) Plenty of people fall into that category in Station Road!

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Darren Ellis (13th May 2007 - 10:21:22) To all, Glad to hear people are concerned about empty shops in the Station Road area. I have lived in Liphook all my life (...over 40 years now!!) and have seen plenty of changes but that's progress that we all have to live with. My humble opinion on this subject is to improve the look and appeal of the area it's down to the owners/occupiers/leaseholders etc of all the properties to get involved. Improve your premises and help others improve theirs....painting, cleaning, window displays, litter picking, planting...the options are endless if the will is there. I imagine some things aren't cheap and require some input of time but if you want to improve an area then you've got to get up and do it yourself as no one else is going to do it for you. Make it an attractive place to go to (in appearance and the services you offer if you're a business) and maybe more people will come to you and hopefully the empty shops will get tenants. We use some of the shops in that area occassionally but for us, at the moment, there isn't much there to tempt us. (Just our personal opinion) Not an easy job but wish you all luck in it. Darren PS: Just a thought, why don't the current shop owners get together and approach the landlords of the empty shops to see if they can put window displays in them to brighten up the look of the area (could even include some advertising of their own shops!)

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - jay (13th May 2007 - 11:24:59) Thank you Darren for your comments. Do you think that any landlords read this forum? I only mentioned the Civic Trust because I know what good work they do providing advice and motivating communities. But at what cost? Money is always the sticking point. When push comes to shove, who will put their hands in their pockets? Commercial success does not automatically follow any improvements that might be made, but it won’t come unless something is done to improve the area. I have e-mailed the Trust asking for more information and will report back in due course. They may say that they only operate in conjunction with the Local Authority, and that the whole of Liphook should be included. I don’t know. It may be useless, but it will be interesting to find out, since they have done some fantastic schemes and rejuvinated other towns by doing many of the things that Darren suggests with painting, landscaping and getting rid of ugly street clutter.

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Maggie (13th May 2007 - 12:26:03) I tend to agree with Darren about general appearance etc. I'm hoping that with a new large retailer preparing to take over the old Somerfield site that this will give some much needed impetus !!

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Candyfloss (14th May 2007 - 13:12:06) I was listening to a radio programme, that was talking about prisioners on day release. NO not those people, BUT how about those who have been given a 'community service' sentence. Why not use their free time to put something back into the community. Perhaps this is a project that the Parish Council could look into. After all thats what it should mean. Have a regular working party litter picking, painting etc everywhere in Liphook - or something for the young offenders who seem to lack respect of communities. I am sure that may businesses would help with funding or supplying materials. I am just a little bit concerned that when Sainsburys came here first, money was spent on nice signs and new buildings but nothing new was improved in Station Road from the funds. there must be extra funds raised from Sainsburys for the extension in EHDC pocket - perhaps they should release some of it here for a change!! Just a thought

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - jay (15th May 2007 - 10:06:25) Good thinking Candyfloss, but remember that even paint costs money and surfaces need to be properly prepared prior to painting. Strict supervision would be necessary to see that the offenders doing community service weren't skimping the work and nicking the materials. Sainsbury's, having paid the bribe that is euphemistically called 'planning gain', and got their superstore, are unlikely to contribute more towards making Station Road (and their trading competitors) more attractive. The Local Authority should be getting worried by the number of empty shops by now. Has anyone approached them to see if they have a plan to do something about it?

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Steve Read (15th May 2007 - 11:31:49) Don't forget Method Statements, Risk Assesments, Public Liability blah blah blah! Before you know it to paint a building could cost as much as a pedestrian crossing. Regards, Dippy The Date

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Sue W (16th May 2007 - 08:48:27) I think Jay you have summed the problem difficulties of just lending a hand can lead to. No matter how much interest and willingness, it needs to be controlled. That's the nitty gritty. I remember my then stupid teenage brother getting into much bother and ended working with the Man Power Services (no longer exist), who worked on many community projects, with professional help. It actually led him into an interest in buildings and much later qualified as an architect. Do we have such a scheme today? I have been searching for the Head Office address of the Company formed from the Landlords of the two ' new' built block, who are the ones that should be made aware of peoples feelings. The whole plot that these buildings are on are owned by them. I really do think that some people should be aware that those running businesses here already pay for the use of the 'shop' and however much people may think that we are responsible for the entrie upkeep of the building amuses me!. Some units have an extra charge for ground rent. After all if Station road has further empty shops, the Landlords will be unable to charge the high rents that they do today, so the ownus must be theirs. Also, with the 3 empty units, who will 'do them up'. I also get the impression that many would prefer the whole lot to be demolished, and something trendy be built instead. Obviously not shops, because the feedback on 'what shops' is so very poor. I would love to keep my shop open, and have had a tremendous response from those taking the time to visit, but what would people like to buy that's the question. It has to be something that produces regular trade and be complementry to the products that I would desire to keep. You suggest it, I'll consider it. The choice is all yours!!.

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Jay (21st May 2007 - 15:44:32) After looking at the Civic Trust website, I contacted them and was sent loads af additional information. They are keen to help communities such as ours, but it is useless thinking about involving them unless the landlords participate. Sue has the right idea. But, if she can't find a contact at the Association of Station Road Landlords and get them to talk to us, this forum has probably run its course. The only good news is that it is entitled 'empty shops and vandalism', but we have not suffered too much vandalism to date, only neglect. That is not to say that graffiti won't follow if many more shops are left empty. We must stay vigilent

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Eneida (21st May 2007 - 16:58:35) I've just remembered....there'd be one less empty shop in Station Road if the man who posted on this site last year had been allowed to open his pharmacy !!! I believe he was turned down by the Health Authority, who said there wasn't enough need since we already had Lloyds, but I may be wrong...it was some time ago. So with the butcher who's been trying for ages, that's 2 we know about....obviously the problem is not with Station Road or the people of Liphook but with the Landlords!!! Are they waiting for a big, fat cheque from developers? ;) Eneida

Re: Empty shops and vandalism - Sue W (21st May 2007 - 19:34:20) Eneida Yep! Your right. Permission was refused on the grounds of one already being here in the Square. Unfortunatley, Station Road did have one years ago - with one at the square, so what was the problem with another (non prescription one). There are far more houses now than then. It shows that it is not all Landlords but authorities too. Funny the big S can stock products sold by others here, and the council cant stop what they sell!! Private enterprise is the loser Sue

Reply to THIS thread
Talkback Home