Southside's small shops to lose out

11:17am Saturday 29th December 2007

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A charity shop, butcher's shop and cafeteria are among the family businesses being kicked out of Southside Shopping Centre in January to make way for chain shops.

Several independent shops in Arndale Walk, many of which have been passed down from father to son over 30 years, have not had their leases renewed by the town centre management. This week shopkeepers said they were losing their livelihoods and would struggle to start up a new business after losing their loyal customer base.

“All the customers are upset over it. One lady was here crying. She said she had been coming here 30 years and didn’t know where she would get her bits and bobs.”

Victor Sweiry

Mrs Ahmet, manager of Picnic Bar in Arndale Walk, said her hard-working husband would benefit from the rest, but had mixed feelings about leaving after 26 years.

"It's the end of an era," she said. "We've seen children grow up and bring their own children in here. There are old people that come in here for their breakfast, lunch and dinner because they can't feed themselves."

She was concerned elderly residents, unable to afford chain cafés and restaurants, would suffer from the new development. Victor Sweiry, whose Wonderware shop has served the community since 1976, said: "All the customers are upset over it. One lady was here crying. She said she had been coming here 30 years and didn't know where she would get her bits and bobs."

He has to be out of his property by the end of January. The RSPCA charity shop, and Betta Meats butcher shop have also been forced to go.

He added: "It's all being done according to the lease and we knew it was coming. But two months is not enough notice to clear all my stock. I requested more time but was refused."

Labour candidate for Putney Stuart King said: "I recognise the Southside management's need to diversify and improve the shops available to local customers but that should not be at the expense of some of these smaller retailers. I would not want it to become full of chain shops that you can find on any high street anywhere in the country."

Wandsworth Council did not comment but said it could help tenants find alternative accommodation.