Islington Tribune - News: Store boss delivers a deal to keep neighbours happy

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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 4 May 2007

Store co-owners Shalil Bhattessa and Yougesh Jeswaran

Store boss delivers a deal to keep neighbours happy

Supermarket gives pledge on noise and threat to small businesses

THE owner of a controversial new supermarket in Archway has moved to quell neighbours’ and traders’ fears about the impact his store will have.
Shalil Bhattessa, who plans to open a Budgens store in Holloway Road, at the junction with Hargrave Road, on May 24, said he had changed his plans in response to residents’ concerns.
He had originally intended that deliveries should be made to a car park at the rear of the store, but residents in Gresham Court feared the lorries would cause noise problems.
That idea has now been scrapped. Instead, deliveries will be made through the front entrance in Holloway Road.
A large dustbin originally sited beneath the Gresham Court flats has been moved to a far wall of the rear car park and will be enclosed in a fireproof wall. The car park will be used mainly by staff and disabled customers.
Mr Bhattessa said: “We obviously don’t want to make an enemy of the neighbours. We want to be able to talk to residents because they are all potential customers.”
Responding to claims that the new store, open from 7am to 11pm, would be a threat to small shops in the area, he said: “We’re not going to compete with the specialist small shops. Our competition will be with Sainsbury’s not a local continental store.”
Mr Bhattessa said he was unaware of the controversy surrounding the store until he read about it in the Tribune.
“I understand some people were not consulted,” he said. “And for that I’m very sorry. I regret that there was a communication breakdown but I hope I can now address all the concerns.
“I have met a small group of residents with Lib Dem councillor Stefan Kasprzyk, who was instrumental in getting us to talk to each other.”
He added that the store car park would have CCTV to help reduce anti-social crime.
Mr Bhattessa said: “We’ll have store security and patrol the area. The car park will be landscaped and be much improved.”
The opening of the store, which will employ 25-30 staff, is subject to planning approval.
Mr Bhattessa added: “I’m willing to listen to anyone who has any problems – just come and talk to me. “
Labour councillor Janet Burgess welcomed the reassurances given by Mr Bhattessa. She said: “It’s all very good news, if somewhat belated.”

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