Shopkeeper wins appeal to keep goods outside (From Your Local Guardian)

Pricebusters Wallington shopkeeper, Mustafa Suleyman, wins appeal to keep goods outside

11:00am Saturday 27th October 2012 in Top Stories By Sophia Sleigh, Reporter

Mustafa Suleyman and Councillor Tim Crowley

A shop owner has won an appeal against a ban on displaying his goods outside his shop after he was backed by thousands of residents.

In January Sutton Council ordered Mustafa Suleyman, owner of Pricebusters in Woodcote Road, Wallington, to stop displaying his wares in the street.

The reason given by Councillor Jayne McCoy, executive member for planning, economic development and housing at Sutton Council, was that the goods were an obstruction for elderly residents and parents with small children and prams who use Wallington High Street.

Mr Suleyman feared the ban could cause him to close down and therefore set about fighting the decision.

Some 2,500 customers signed his petition which was submitted to the council on July 16 by deputy leader of the opposition, Tim Crowley.

His appeal was considered at the Licensing Sub-Committee on Wednesday, October 17, and it was concluded that Mr Suleyman could continue to display his wares outside.

A report by Scill, Sutton Centre for Independent Living and Learning, was also presented to the committee and showed multiple obstructions along the pavement.

It said a compromise could be found to allow the goods to be displayed outside.

My Suleyman, 64, from Wallington said: "It affected me - the extra stress I had from the councillors.

"Had I not won it could have caused my business to close down.To be honest with the outcome they should never have done that to me.

"It is just a waste of time. I don’t know why they did it.They insisted on doing the Scill report which came out bad for them."

Mr Suleyman thanked Councillor Tim Crowley for helping him with his appeal.

Coun Crowley said: "What a waste of time and effort.I’m glad we sorted this out and it is a victory for common sense.

"When will Councillor Jayne McCoy realise she is here to help local businesses rather than hinder?"

A Sutton Council spokesman said: “Though the Licensing Committee supports the efforts of ward councillors to make our borough a more inclusive and accessible place for people with disabilities.

“In this case the committee listened carefully to the evidence, along with the opinions of residents, and decided that a licence should be granted to ensure consistency with how the council’s policies are currently applied.

“It is however important that we recognise the concerns and issues that face people with disabilities and work together to address them in a fair and equal way.”