We need local shops, not estate agents (From Streatham Guardian)

We need local shops, not estate agents

11:07am Friday 23rd March 2007

• Print
• Email
• Share

I was dismayed but hardly surprised to note this week that Carshalton High Street is soon to be blessed with another estate agent, which I think makes seven in our small local shopping parade which also boasts several fast food joints.

Now, I cannot believe that one single inhabitant of the area thinks that what Carshalton needs is another estate agent.

It was over twenty years ago that the Green Party first made the issue of sustainable local shops a key plank of our local manifestoes, calling for local authorities to be given the power to set a sliding scale of business rates to favour community-friendly retailers; the need for something of this kind is even more urgent today with the serial decline of post offices, local food retailers and other proper neighbourhood facilities.

The Sustainable Communities Bill, promoted by a range of green groups, including the Green Party, but with cross-party support, is making its way through Parliament as a private members' bill. It will, if passed, give local councils the sort of powers we have long been calling for. Readers can find more information by logging on to localworks.org.

BOB STEEL Sutton Green Party Palmerston Road Carshalton

• Print
• Email
• Share