Last week we saw the closure of one of London’s iconic shops — Arthur Beale, the 500-year-old chandler in Shaftesbury Avenue.
Greedy landlords and excessive council charges make it difficult for these small shops to survive. Those charged with caring for our once vibrant, colourful capital seem to do little. Under the stewardship of Sadiq Khan, London seems to me to be becoming little more than an expensive, over-populated dormitory. In my borough one can visit an estate agent or buy a coffee, little else. With the Mayor’s return it would be nice if, in this term, he looked after London and its shops.
William Collis
Editor’s reply
Dear William
I agree it can be heartbreaking to see the little shops, pubs and backwater curios going to the wall. While some retail landlords could have been more generous, many bent over backwards to help the last remaining independents keep their heads above water.
Sadly for some, such as sailors’ favourite Arthur Beale, the storm has simply proved too fierce. If we are to prevent more calamities it is high time to overhaul business rates.
Simon Freeman, City News Editor
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