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Twickenham traders ordered out of shops
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| Ulitimatum: Greengrocer said it was a disgrace the way he has been treated after being told to move out |
Two of Twickenham's longest surviving market town traders have been given a week to get out of their King Street shops.
Cousins greengrocers and Wishbone butchers on the corner of the grade two listed building at 34-36 King Street, Twickenham got their first official notice on Monday in six line letters, identical but for the owners' names.
Paul Cooper, of Cousins greengrocers, and Daryl Cygler, of Wishbone butchers, said they were given short term contracts by their landlord, Forrestdale Investments Limited, despite repeatedly asking to extend.
Mr Cooper has run Cousins greengrocer's for nearly six years, but the business has been in his family for 42 years.
He said: "The way we've been treated is a disgrace. If we can't get relocated in Twickenham, with the parking we need, I'll be forced to close the family business."
Mr Cygler, owner of Wishbone butchers, said: "What I can't understand is that they didn't ask us if we wanted to buy the properties. They don't know our financial situations, maybe we could offer them more than they think."
| “The way we’ve been treated is a disgrace. If we can't get relocated in Twickenham, with the parking we need, I'll be forced to close the family business.” | | Paul Cooper |
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George Keppe, solicitor acting on behalf of both businesses, said: "The traders knew their rights were limited, but were given the firm impression they would be given more notice. Yes, the landlord is within its legal rights but we have the moral high ground here. I will be appealing to their sense of justice on this."
Esther Warboys, Twickenham town centre manager, said: "We are trying to maintain the integrity of Twickenham town centre for shoppers and businesses alike. Two of the most prominent shops being shut down in this way is a real blow."
Ms Warboys said the council has not received a planning application for these properties. Forrestdale Investments Limited who own the properties declined to comment.
4:22pm Friday 21st March 2008
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CommentPosted by: a. wilcox, Whitton on 7:48pm Fri 21 Mar 08
People shop in Twickenham for the Greengrocer, butcher and fishmonger. Ther eis little else of interest in Twickenham Town Centre. Paul Cooper and his staff are always helpful, welcoming and friendly and they provide not only a service to local residents but friendship too. I hope that the local council can assist the greengrocer and butcher to either stay in their current shops or re-locate in Twickenham High Street. I know many people who speak highly of both and I am sure Twickenham town would suffer if these two traders were forced out of the town. Local small traders are far more personal and friendly than supermarkets. I certainly would not shop in Twickenham any longer if these two are forced to leave. Please help them to stay.
People shop in Twickenham for the Greengrocer, butcher and fishmonger. Ther eis little else of interest in Twickenham Town Centre. Paul Cooper and his staff are always helpful, welcoming and friendly and they provide not only a service to local residents but friendship too. I hope that the local council can assist the greengrocer and butcher to either stay in their current shops or re-locate in Twickenham High Street. I know many people who speak highly of both and I am sure Twickenham town would suffer if these two traders were forced out of the town. Local small traders are far more personal and friendly than supermarkets. I certainly would not shop in Twickenham any longer if these two are forced to leave. Please help them to stay.
Posted by: John Waller, Twickenham on 8:58pm Fri 21 Mar 08
How dare some investment company destroy our town centre.
Cousins and Wishbone are shops offering the finest and freshest products for the fairest prices with fantastic personal service. Pensioners and workers will now have to buy plastic wrapped rubbish from supermarkets. Twickenham will be left with a derelict corner in our main shopping street.
A faceless investment company (unless they are are related to Forrest Dale Investments in Singapore) will sit on the site until they get planning permission which has not been applied for.
I hope the residents of Twickenham will let these corporate vandals know that their plans will be fought unless Cousins and Wishbone are allowed to stay until the planning process is complete.
I call on all councillors, MPs and London mayoral and Assembly candidates to show us what they are made of and ensure two of Twickenham's treasures are allowed to continue trading.
How dare some investment company destroy our town centre.
Cousins and Wishbone are shops offering the finest and freshest products for the fairest prices with fantastic personal service. Pensioners and workers will now have to buy plastic wrapped rubbish from supermarkets. Twickenham will be left with a derelict corner in our main shopping street.
A faceless investment company (unless they are are related to Forrest Dale Investments in Singapore) will sit on the site until they get planning permission which has not been applied for.
I hope the residents of Twickenham will let these corporate vandals know that their plans will be fought unless Cousins and Wishbone are allowed to stay until the planning process is complete.
I call on all councillors, MPs and London mayoral and Assembly candidates to show us what they are made of and ensure two of Twickenham's treasures are allowed to continue trading.
Posted by: Richard Adams, Twickenham on 2:04pm Sat 22 Mar 08
This an appalling development for the people of Twickenham and the businesses concerned.If I can't shop for meat and fresh vegetatables in the town then I probably won't shop for bread or fish or anything else,this really may spell the end for small retailers in Twickenham which would be a tragedy for the town and all those who do not wish to buy overpriced flavourless food from supermarkets.I do wonder whether our useless council could do something useful for once.
This an appalling development for the people of Twickenham and the businesses concerned.If I can't shop for meat and fresh vegetatables in the town then I probably won't shop for bread or fish or anything else,this really may spell the end for small retailers in Twickenham which would be a tragedy for the town and all those who do not wish to buy overpriced flavourless food from supermarkets.I do wonder whether our useless council could do something useful for once.
Posted by: Jessica Miller, Twickenham on 2:17pm Sat 22 Mar 08
A week's notice? After 42 years? This is outrageous, these shops are thriving long term businesses, hugely popular with everyone who lives here and rightly so. We are extremely lucky to have these two fantastic local retailers, and the town centre would be far poorer without them - what could this investment company be trying to replace them with that we could possibly want instead? I hope that the council will help the retailers fight to continue trading - we don't want to lose them!
A week's notice? After 42 years? This is outrageous, these shops are thriving long term businesses, hugely popular with everyone who lives here and rightly so. We are extremely lucky to have these two fantastic local retailers, and the town centre would be far poorer without them - what could this investment company be trying to replace them with that we could possibly want instead? I hope that the council will help the retailers fight to continue trading - we don't want to lose them!
Posted by: Supporter of local shops, Twickenham on 2:31pm Sat 22 Mar 08
Forrestdale Investments Limited should be extremely grateful that these two businesses have rented their run down premises for so long, which Forrestdale has had no interest in maintaining. I am sure Esther Warboys will do all she can to help these two businesses find better alternative premises nearby. Forresdale doesn't deserve our patronage now or in the future.
Forrestdale Investments Limited should be extremely grateful that these two businesses have rented their run down premises for so long, which Forrestdale has had no interest in maintaining. I am sure Esther Warboys will do all she can to help these two businesses find better alternative premises nearby. Forresdale doesn't deserve our patronage now or in the future.
Posted by: Ursula Wolski, Isleworth on 2:43pm Sat 22 Mar 08
We live in Isleworth and go especially to Twickenham to buy our meat. It would be a hugh shame and blow to the community if these businesses have to close. Not all of us want to go to supermarkets!
Chris and Ursula
We live in Isleworth and go especially to Twickenham to buy our meat. It would be a hugh shame and blow to the community if these businesses have to close. Not all of us want to go to supermarkets!
Chris and Ursula
Posted by: Gertrude Grendal, London on 1:31pm Mon 24 Mar 08
e really need a few more mobile phone shops, betting shops, another sex store, perhaps some more rubbishy estate agents!
e really need a few more mobile phone shops, betting shops, another sex store, perhaps some more rubbishy estate agents!
Posted by: Jackie Lye on 7:08pm Mon 24 Mar 08
I am absolutely appalled by how these local traders are being treated.
The main reason I still shop in Twickenham is to buy my fruit and veg from Cousins and my fish from Sandys. Without Paul and all his staff, who are the friendliest, best staff in the area,there would be no point in shopping here. They really are the heart of Twickenham centre and would be sorely missed. We can't let this happen!
I am absolutely appalled by how these local traders are being treated.
The main reason I still shop in Twickenham is to buy my fruit and veg from Cousins and my fish from Sandys. Without Paul and all his staff, who are the friendliest, best staff in the area,there would be no point in shopping here. They really are the heart of Twickenham centre and would be sorely missed. We can't let this happen!
Posted by: Mat Lane, Twickenham on 3:59pm Tue 25 Mar 08
I think the way Paul from Cousins has been treated is disgraceful. Considering the premises has been rented by his business for over 40 years to give them one week notice is appaling.
Paul and his staff add character to what is a drab, dreary high street full of too many chain coffee shops and charity stores. They are friendly, helpful and take pride in their work which is an all too rare quality in the retail industry these days! I sincerely hope that they are able to relocate somewhere locally as in addition to being a big part of the local community they are also a **** good greengrocers who provide produce of much higher quality than you are able to get from the local supermarkets.
It will be a real shame if this drives them away from Twickenham.
I think the way Paul from Cousins has been treated is disgraceful. Considering the premises has been rented by his business for over 40 years to give them one week notice is appaling.
Paul and his staff add character to what is a drab, dreary high street full of too many chain coffee shops and charity stores. They are friendly, helpful and take pride in their work which is an all too rare quality in the retail industry these days! I sincerely hope that they are able to relocate somewhere locally as in addition to being a big part of the local community they are also a **** good greengrocers who provide produce of much higher quality than you are able to get from the local supermarkets.
It will be a real shame if this drives them away from Twickenham.
Posted by: Maria Seale, Twickenham on 9:14pm Mon 31 Mar 08
I cannot believe that my local greengrocer and butcher are being asked to close. I have been in Twickenham for over 10 years and the decline of the high street has been appauling. The Council should step in the provide Paul and Wishbone with alternative premises to save the high street from being left to the charity shops. There is little community left in Twickeham. The only gossip and friendly chat I receive is from Paul and his staff. Am I to rely of the great supermarkets for my veg and meat now? It is a disgrace that our high street is being torn down in the name of greed. What will be put on the site instead? we do not need any more coffee shops or short term lets, we need the heart put back into Twickenham High Street
I cannot believe that my local greengrocer and butcher are being asked to close. I have been in Twickenham for over 10 years and the decline of the high street has been appauling. The Council should step in the provide Paul and Wishbone with alternative premises to save the high street from being left to the charity shops. There is little community left in Twickeham. The only gossip and friendly chat I receive is from Paul and his staff. Am I to rely of the great supermarkets for my veg and meat now? It is a disgrace that our high street is being torn down in the name of greed. What will be put on the site instead? we do not need any more coffee shops or short term lets, we need the heart put back into Twickenham High Street
Posted by: Billy Cooper, Twickenham on 2:48pm Mon 5 May 08
[bold]Paul Cooper(the greengrocer in the pic) is my father **** on Dad Twickenham are supporting you all the way and the council are being a bunch of twats and should notice that you are the only decent greengrocers! i mean there is always fresh fruit but come on who wants manky,dirty and squashed up fruit and veg its discusting love you dad
Billy[/bold]
Paul Cooper(the greengrocer in the pic) is my father **** on Dad Twickenham are supporting you all the way and the council are being a bunch of twats and should notice that you are the only decent greengrocers! i mean there is always fresh fruit but come on who wants manky,dirty and squashed up fruit and veg its discusting love you dad
Billy
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