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Customers protest as Islington antiques traders receive eviction notices
14.01.08
Scores of traders are to be evicted from one of London's best-loved antiques markets, which could be redeveloped as a department store.
Six hundred customers have signed a petition, which was delivered to Downing Street, against plans to eject up to 40 independent businesses from the Mall, part of Camden Passage market in Islington.
Now it has emerged that the traders have been given notice to quit by July.
Site owner London & Associated Properties has declined to comment on the evictions, or its plans for the Grade II-listed former tram shed. It is rumoured that it will be converted and handed over to a department store. James Kempton, Lib-Dem leader of Islington council, said he would fight to save the Mall. "I'm hoping we can save the lifeblood of our community," he said.
Labour councillor Martin Klute said the authority should have used planning laws to protect the market and is to consult Ken Livingstone.
"The message the council appears to be putting out to the developers is 'it's fine, chaps, just do what you like'," he said.
Patricia Baxter, who has had an antique furniture shop in the Mall for 17 years, said: "I don't see why I should have to go. We are going to appeal to the owners to see sense."
Last month, up to 25 traders were evicted from nearby Angel Arcade, which is being sold to furniture shop Lombok.
Reader views (5)
Like the rest of London Islington is going to be riped apart by the greed. Big shopping centers do we realy need another.People who live and work here dont matter anymore its just money now.
- William Hoey, Islington
I agree with James, but what Islington really needs is parking. Why doesn't the council see sense and build a multi-storey on the site of the Mall? It would be just the shot in the arm the area needs.
- Barry, Islington
I'm all for a department store in Islington as long as it's nothing like The N1 Centre -- a truly gruesome piece of architecture that makes the 1970's Sainsbury's across the street oddly attractive.
- Paul Haugen, London, UK
600 Signatures is pathetic. I live on Prebend Street off Essex Road and have never seen a petition passing round, and it's not like I'm a stranger to Camden Passage. They should have stuck the petition in local pubs like the Kings Head and the Nags Head, and perhaps even gone door to door. Also no mention of the petition in the Tribune either - perhaps they couldn't squeeze it in between all the stabbings and the old people getting mugged.
- Squiz, Islington
I've been in that Mall on several occasions and never seen any new gear. It's all very old and I'm suprised people want to buy it when you can go to other shops and get up to date items with guarantees. In my opinion the soon we get an Argos of a Weatherspoons in the better. Some people are just stuck in the mud. Just because you have got away with selling old gear for 17 years doesn't mean you are a national icon....d'oh!
- James, Islington N1
