Update: Following a protest over the proposal to open a new supermarket in the local area, residents and local businesses are discovering that they can make a difference, the community has won the David and Goliath-like battle.

Upon hearing the news that there was a planning proposal in place at the local council to open a “local” supermarket franchise in Merton Road, local businesses and residents of SW18 came together to fight for the survival of local businesses that were already struggling in an adverse economic climate and to fight for their concerns over congestion and traffic that the proposal would no doubt bring. Their protest involved sending out petitions for residents to sign and to bring their concerns on the matter before local MP, Justine Greening.

One local resident said “We need small shops and other businesses like bakeries and butchers in the area, most of these are family-run and friendly, they are a part of the community, and the opening of a supermarket would jeopardize and endanger their businesses and also brings the threat of further congestion into Merton Road, which is already an extremely busy place.” The strong support for the protest was overwhelming with over 220 local residents signing the petition and voicing their fears over the proposal of building another supermarket in the area.

Recently, the businesses and local community in Southfields received news that their views and objections were placed before the planning committee at the Council and that the planning application proposal has been withdrawn. The victory of the local community in Southfields shows that the power of the people and community spirit triumphs.