Defiant flower seller George Driver in pitch battle

HE’S been a popular flower seller outside Essex Road rail station for almost half a century, with actress Cate Blanchett, singer Sade and fashion designer Katharine Hamnett among his customers.
His family’s roots as Covent Garden market workers go back 200 years, but now George Driver, 64, is threatening to give up the business he loves.
He claims he is being “victimised” by Town Hall officials.
The council officials allege that Mr Driver has been expanding his stall and obstructing the pavement to passers-by.
He was issued with a £100 fine – which he refuses to pay – after he placed eight Christmas trees along the pavement opposite his pitch last month.
Mr Driver has been told that to expand the stall he will need a second licence, which he says he cannot afford. Now he’s asking customers to sign his “Support George’s flower stall” petition. 
He said: “I feel really demoralised. I’ve been selling flowers at the same spot for 44 years, starting out when I was 19. On occasion I need to expand the stall for items like Christmas trees.
“The pavement is 15 feet wide with plenty of room for public access. I’ve never had trouble in the past but suddenly the licensing people are cracking down on me.”
Mr Driver’s site is owned by Islington and Camden Primary Care Trust, which has an office next door and which, according to him, has never complained.
Mr Driver said: “It’s total bureaucracy. Why do I need a second licence after all these years trading with one. The council are just trying to make life difficult for me. ”
A council spokeswoman said:    “In December, Mr Driver was warned on several occasions he was selling goods well beyond the area covered by his licence. Despite these warnings he continued to breach the terms of his licence – that’s why he was issued with a fine.”
PETER GRUNER