07 Nov Local business in danger of shutting down after council’s poor planning
A local Guyanese takeaway in Southwark is in danger of shutting down after the local council placed four large telecommunication boxes that block the store off from potential customers.
“Umana Yana”, the popular Guyanese and Caribbean local takeaway in Herne Hill, is a family business run by Deborah Monfries that could shut down due to four large telecommunication boxes having been placed at the store front, blocking the entry from passing customers.
Although Deborah has many loyal customers from the local community, she also relies on customers who pass by the area. The addition of four telecommunication boxes has obscured the store from the public eye, leading to a decline in revenue. The long-term effect has been “detrimental” according to a tweet from Keely, the person who runs the account.
Three boxes visibly blocking the store front from across the street
Southwark Council owns the land outside of the takeaway and they rent it to national companies such as O2 and Virgin who have installed these telecommunication boxes; the first installed in September 2014, another in May 2015, and then two more in 2016.
A regular customer – who has asked to stay anonymous – said: “It’s a shame that the business is being affected like this – Debbie is really friendly and provides wonderful food for the community.” They further went on to say: “The takeaway brings culture to the community and it doesn’t deserve to be barricaded like this.”
Southwark Council was not available for comment at the time of inquiry.
Side angle of the boxes in front of the store.
