Local resident David Bishop has launched a campaign to encourage new shops into the neglected East Ham and Three Arches estates where Labour-controlled Newham Council has made no effort to bring new services to shops which have been standing empty for far too long.
Having lived in the area for many years, David has become used to the inaction of Newham Council and has become very well known for positive action he has taken with various projects across the ward, such as frequent litter picks.
‘I am now calling on Newham Council to take action on the shops that they own to ensure they are brought back into use for local residents. I have started a petition which residents are very keen to sign, as well as speaking to Brentwood’s Chairman of the Business and Economic Development Panel, Cllr Phil Baker, to ask for his input,’ said David Bishop.
‘I am also speaking to local businesses who have expressed an interest in moving into new premises to see if they can develop the business opportunity to move into the heart of a thriving community,’ he added.
Figures recently published show that across the Borough, only 10% of shops remain empty, which is below the UK average of 13%, and with twenty-three businesses positively seeking to move in, it is hoped that new shops could be encouraged into these areas. The residents’ views are also being sought on the type of shops that they would like to see move in.
Fellow resident Colin Ringe added, ‘I have lived on this estate all my life and the shop fronts are worse now than they have ever been. I am pleased that David is making efforts to do something about it and will be supporting him all the way.’
‘It is about time that Newham Council took an interest in its residents but all too often they have demonstrated that they tend to ignore them just because they live in Brentwood. Michael Golding and Cheralyn Lewis, the existing Conservative Brentwood South councillors have been helping me and I hope that, if elected in May, that I can add my voice as the Labour-controlled Newham Council just do not care,’ said David Bishop.