Carol Caruana calls for Portobello to be a "shopper's paradise" once again

6.50.00pm GMT Fri 20th Nov 2009

Carol Caruana, Liberal Democrat councillor for the Portobello area of Notting Hill has called for the protection of local shops, including a wholesale change of policy on business rates which are crippling smaller shops. Councillor Caruana has submitted a response to the London Assembly Planning and Housing Committee who are reviewing planning policy measures designed to protect London's small shops.

In her submission to the Committee, Carol Caruana said: "As a long-time resident of the Portobello Road area, I am deeply distressed that so many small shops have disappeared and continue to do so, often to be replaced by yet another chain-owned coffee shop.

"At one time, Portobello Road was a shopper's paradise full of local businesses serving the community. Its vibrancy has made it world-famous. Cafes that were usually family-owned and run, where locals could eat cheaply but well, served as community centres and everyone knew everyone else. There were a number of butchers shops, an electrical shop offering everything from repairs to a new fridge or television, an excellent fish monger, a specialist cheese shop, a bakery and, of course, a thriving market busy not just on Saturday tourist day but throughout the week.

"Sadly, it's too late for those who have gone but essential that every effort is made to save what still survives. The western extension of the C-Charge has had disastrous effect on the market and as the shops feed off the market, and vice versa, a drop in custom has a detrimental effect all round. At one time, people would travel in from surrounding areas to shop in Portobello Road. It was not unusual for a whole week's shopping to be done in the street and then transported home by car. This is no longer the case as people are reluctant to pay the C-Charge on top of the cost of their weekly shop. Any savings gained by the competitive prices is taken up by the charge."

The Liberal Democrats believe in charging for congestion based on smart technology which tackles areas which are genuinely congested rather than the current system which is killing off our local shopping districts.

"Ever-increasing rents coupled with crippling business rates are another reason for the decline of local shops, making it unfeasible for small businesses to continue trading when they are barely taking enough to cover the bills let along make a profit.

"Unless something is done to address these problems, which are not just restricted to Portobello Road, we are likely to have a situation where every area looks like a clone of another with resultant loss of individuality and community spirit. This has already happened within large towns and cities and it would be criminal if every other village and area ended up the same way. As a local ward councillor, I intend to do everything within my power to prevent this happening to our iconic and much-loved Portobello Road."