'The loss of our livelihood'

7:21am Wednesday 9th July 2008

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TRADERS who won the first hurdle against plans for a pub in place of their arcade of shops are preparing to fight on.

Shopkeepers in The Arcade were celebrating in April when Hillingdon Council refused planning permission for a JD Weatherspoons on their site.

When the traders in High Street, Uxbridge had learnt about the application, they got together a petition to object to the plans.

They wanted to save themselves from being kicked out of what they described as their own little community.

The arcade of eight shops was also described as "unique" by councillors at the meeting in April.

Letters dropped through the doors of the businesses last week informed them that JD Weatherspoons has appealed to the Secretary of State against the council's decision.

Sally Clargo, 46, the owner of Sally's Scrapbook Attic, said: "We are prepared to take them on again.

"The traders are all going to meet again soon to discuss what we are going to do.

"We have not got anywhere else to go and who needs another pub in Uxbridge?

"I was surprised that they appealed and I can't see what they will do different to win the appeal."

Kush Supeda, 29, has worked for his family business Quick Stitch for five years.

He said: "Our feelings have not changed. If the pub is granted the application it will be the loss of our livelihood and we want to stay on the same grounds.

We will be discussing what to do, maybe write to the Secretary of State too.

"We just have to do what we can."

The pub said the site of The Arcade being used by them would "make a contribution to the vibrancy of the shopping centre and enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area."

They did identify the area has been historically used for establishing small businesses, but they feel the pub would make better use of the site.

Eddie Gershon, spokesman for JD Weatherspoons, said: "We are keen to get the pub open in the area.

"Our application was refused and that was the council's decision.

"The appeal has been lodged but we will not be releasing any further details until a decision has been reached."

Mr Gershon refused to speak about the plans they submitted and how they might have changed in the appeal process.