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Leigh shops close as rent and rates rise
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| Closing down, the framing shop |
LEIGH's image of a shopping area is fast being tarnished by empty shops and a sharp rise in the number of wine bars and cafes, which some fear will worsen if the economic recession bites.
An average of two to three shops a year close and change use in Leigh, but three shops currently closed or empty on The Broadway, is a worrying trend, according to councillors.
Grindley's Bookshop, which closed in January after more than 60 years in business, remains vacant.
The household items retailer Rosalind's is currently holding a closing-down sale, and two newsagents in Leigh are also shutting.
Geoff Fulford of Leigh Town Council said: "This is beginning to look like a bad year, but I would say it is to do with the economic downturn.
"I wouldn't want to put all the blame on one group or organisation.
"Part of The Broadway area is a designated shopping area which should mean 80 per cent of shops are retail outlets, but I believe it has moved far below that recommendation."
Mr Fulford said of the 237 shops in Leigh's main shopping district, more than one in six now sold food of some sort.
He added: "Leigh Town Council would be opposed to any more bars and cafes in Leigh because we feel there is an accelerating change in the town's character.
"The town council wants it to remain as a proper shopping area where shoppers will stop to have a drink or snack and not the other way round."
Peter Wexham, Lib Dem borough councillor for Leigh, agreed: "It is killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.
"If Leigh stops being a shopping centre, then people who used to go there during the day won't anymore and the cafes they eat lunch at won't be viable anymore.
"It is getting so bad even existing cafes, restaurants and bars are complaining about competing businesses opening up.
"There is only one cake and all are trying to get a slice, but as that slice gets slimmer, they are all starting to struggle.
"When some of these properties come up on the market, the businesses which already have bars and cafes in Leigh are taking them over to stop others from taking business away." He said a lot of The Broadway was owned by city investment portfolio holders who buy up properties when they come up at auction and make an income from the rents.
He said: "They get higher rates of return from wine bars than for a dress shops. They are putting rents up every year and even businesses with long leases are now handing in the keys.
"Shops keep being pushed to close by higher rents and rates."
Phil Fecunda, director of Town and Country Property Services, said: "If I was a landlord and successfully applied to change the use of a shop into a restaurant I would expect more rent.
"It is not that easy to get."
But he believes the current trend of visitors to Leigh is what is really shaping the town's future.
He said: "A lot of people come to Leigh for coffee and to window shop, but do not spend much money.
"There are too many jewellery shops, letting agents and hairdressers and not enough variety of retailers. How they all make a living, I don't know.
"The bars in Leigh charge West End prices and are aimed at young City commuters, who like to socialise closer to home, but tend to shop in the City or go to Bluewater."
Mr Fecunda remembered when he started business in The Broadway in 1991, there were plenty of vacant premises and an over-supply of charity shops in Leigh.
He said: "I wouldn't like to see the Broadway go back to that."
4:16am Saturday 28th June 2008
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CommentPosted by: APR, Benfleet on 7:18am Sat 28 Jun 08
Perhaps there are just too many shops selling the same things ?
Too much arty crafty tat, made in China ?
A pain to find somewhere to park too.
People would rather shop somewhere they can park easily, and don't have to pay for the privelage.
Perhaps there are just too many shops selling the same things ?
Too much arty crafty tat, made in China ?
A pain to find somewhere to park too.
People would rather shop somewhere they can park easily, and don't have to pay for the privelage.
Posted by: CJN, Westcliff on 9:48am Sat 28 Jun 08
I have always thought it ridiculous that you are only allowed one hour to park. Is it really possible for people to have lunch, do their food shopping, browse around in one hour? I tried to park in the car parks also but no spaces (and expensive). Recently I took my daughter to the dance class opposite the church which lasts 45 minutes we would have gone and done some shopping but we didn't for fear of getting a parking ticket. I don't know if anyone else agrees but the parking should be two hours. Hamlet Court Road allows two hours parking...it should be the same allowances regardless.
I have always thought it ridiculous that you are only allowed one hour to park. Is it really possible for people to have lunch, do their food shopping, browse around in one hour? I tried to park in the car parks also but no spaces (and expensive). Recently I took my daughter to the dance class opposite the church which lasts 45 minutes we would have gone and done some shopping but we didn't for fear of getting a parking ticket. I don't know if anyone else agrees but the parking should be two hours. Hamlet Court Road allows two hours parking...it should be the same allowances regardless.
Posted by: Ivanna Goodhump on 12:05pm Sat 28 Jun 08
It is a known fact that when Bars/Restaurants start to infiltrate an area it forces up the rents for surrounding properties as Landlords seek to maimise their returns.
Over time many of the "other " shops can no longer afford to continue trading and close - as is happenning now in Leigh.
Eventually areas become swamped with eateries/bars and the law of the fittest pervades and many go to the wall. This process will be assisted in Leigh as the current economic slowdown bites into disposable income.
The process then goes full circle, rents have to fall to fill vacant shops and the cycle starts again.
The Council could assist though by not issuing any more permission for licensed premesis/eateries for the time being and making the parking arrangements more flexible.
It is a known fact that when Bars/Restaurants start to infiltrate an area it forces up the rents for surrounding properties as Landlords seek to maimise their returns.
Over time many of the "other " shops can no longer afford to continue trading and close - as is happenning now in Leigh.
Eventually areas become swamped with eateries/bars and the law of the fittest pervades and many go to the wall. This process will be assisted in Leigh as the current economic slowdown bites into disposable income.
The process then goes full circle, rents have to fall to fill vacant shops and the cycle starts again.
The Council could assist though by not issuing any more permission for licensed premesis/eateries for the time being and making the parking arrangements more flexible.
Posted by: getreal, leigh on 3:34pm Sat 28 Jun 08
Geoff Fulford states according to your article "Leigh Town Council would be opposed to any more bars and cafes in Leigh because we feel there is an accelerating change in the town's character
ITS A LITTLE LATE NOW , IS IT NOT ?
A little like the goverment saying they were opposed to out of town shopping centres opening once they have swamped the country.
A little like Sunday trading being passed after many stores were already doing it.
The trouble is there is no one in power out there to have the foresight to take the steps in advance TO prevent the obvious.
Geoff Fulford states according to your article "Leigh Town Council would be opposed to any more bars and cafes in Leigh because we feel there is an accelerating change in the town's character
ITS A LITTLE LATE NOW , IS IT NOT ?
A little like the goverment saying they were opposed to out of town shopping centres opening once they have swamped the country.
A little like Sunday trading being passed after many stores were already doing it.
The trouble is there is no one in power out there to have the foresight to take the steps in advance TO prevent the obvious.
Posted by: Trainman on 4:35pm Sat 28 Jun 08
[bold]Leigh is not the only place with repetitive shops, plus many empty ones due to what are now somewhat extortionate rents for them and with Diabolical parking facilities nearby.
I passed a shop in one small Norfolk town this morning and they want £995 p.m. rent. It used to be a Good charity shop, paying high enough rent as it was. In the same town, there are FOUR ladies hairdressers - one just opened - and goodness knows how many gents hairdressers. One shop that sells dvd's, does so at £5.99, while less than 20 miles away the very SAME ones can be purchased for £1 each, so if one shop can sell things cheap and still make a profit, why not the rest of them?[/bold]
Leigh is not the only place with repetitive shops, plus many empty ones due to what are now somewhat extortionate rents for them and with Diabolical parking facilities nearby.
I passed a shop in one small Norfolk town this morning and they want £995 p.m. rent. It used to be a Good charity shop, paying high enough rent as it was. In the same town, there are FOUR ladies hairdressers - one just opened - and goodness knows how many gents hairdressers. One shop that sells dvd's, does so at £5.99, while less than 20 miles away the very SAME ones can be purchased for £1 each, so if one shop can sell things cheap and still make a profit, why not the rest of them? Posted by: paul on 5:25pm Sat 28 Jun 08
[quote][bold]Trainman[/bold] wrote:
[bold]Leigh is not the only place with repetitive shops, plus many empty ones due to what are now somewhat extortionate rents for them and with Diabolical parking facilities nearby. I passed a shop in one small Norfolk town this morning and they want £995 p.m. rent. It used to be a Good charity shop, paying high enough rent as it was. In the same town, there are FOUR ladies hairdressers - one just opened - and goodness knows how many gents hairdressers. One shop that sells dvd's, does so at £5.99, while less than 20 miles away the very SAME ones can be purchased for £1 each, so if one shop can sell things cheap and still make a profit, why not the rest of them?[/bold] [/quote] In answer to your question,
maybe they dont have rent, rates, wages, national insurance, vat, income tax, business rates, waste collections costs, telephones, gas, electric, stationary, bank and credit card charges and I forgot a great selection of stock to appease the customer that will know it when they see it !
Trainman wrote:
Leigh is not the only place with repetitive shops, plus many empty ones due to what are now somewhat extortionate rents for them and with Diabolical parking facilities nearby. I passed a shop in one small Norfolk town this morning and they want £995 p.m. rent. It used to be a Good charity shop, paying high enough rent as it was. In the same town, there are FOUR ladies hairdressers - one just opened - and goodness knows how many gents hairdressers. One shop that sells dvd's, does so at £5.99, while less than 20 miles away the very SAME ones can be purchased for £1 each, so if one shop can sell things cheap and still make a profit, why not the rest of them?
In answer to your question,
maybe they dont have rent, rates, wages, national insurance, vat, income tax, business rates, waste collections costs, telephones, gas, electric, stationary, bank and credit card charges and I forgot a great selection of stock to appease the customer that will know it when they see it !
Posted by: rp, gib on 8:57pm Sat 28 Jun 08
i'm absoultey guuted to hear Grindley's Bookshop has closed down.
that shop (in my eyes) was a local institution.
i'm absoultey guuted to hear Grindley's Bookshop has closed down.
that shop (in my eyes) was a local institution.
Posted by: Narkella, Bed on 10:53pm Sat 28 Jun 08
[quote][bold]rp[/bold] wrote:
i'm absoultey guuted to hear Grindley's Bookshop has closed down.
that shop (in my eyes) was a local institution.[/quote] Good to see you were such a loyal customer, they closed in January for goodness sake!
rp wrote:
i'm absoultey guuted to hear Grindley's Bookshop has closed down.
that shop (in my eyes) was a local institution.
Good to see you were such a loyal customer, they closed in January for goodness sake!
Posted by: sjohnstone, westcliff on 11:12am Sun 29 Jun 08
If you think about it though is it any surprise that a newsagents has closed? You can now buy your magazines/newspapers from Costcutters, Woolworths, the Co-op etc. Many people buy their wine etc at the Supermarket therefore off-licenses are closing down, Supermarkets now sell dvds, books, chemist items, clothes, televisions, newspapers so a lot of these items are not purchased from individual stores, I am amazed that many shops have lasted as long as they have. It is a terrible shame but a sign of the times.
If you think about it though is it any surprise that a newsagents has closed? You can now buy your magazines/newspapers from Costcutters, Woolworths, the Co-op etc. Many people buy their wine etc at the Supermarket therefore off-licenses are closing down, Supermarkets now sell dvds, books, chemist items, clothes, televisions, newspapers so a lot of these items are not purchased from individual stores, I am amazed that many shops have lasted as long as they have. It is a terrible shame but a sign of the times.
Posted by: John, Uk on 8:30pm Sun 29 Jun 08
We are all to blame as we all want everything under one roof and everything as cheap as possible.
As for rents being expensive there is no logical explanation for this as when a landlord drives a tenant out due to high rents then there is no income for the landlord.
We are all to blame as we all want everything under one roof and everything as cheap as possible.
As for rents being expensive there is no logical explanation for this as when a landlord drives a tenant out due to high rents then there is no income for the landlord.
Posted by: martin, leigh on 7:48am Mon 30 Jun 08
[quote][bold]John[/bold] wrote:
We are all to blame as we all want everything under one roof and everything as cheap as possible. As for rents being expensive there is no logical explanation for this as when a landlord drives a tenant out due to high rents then there is no income for the landlord. [/quote] Not true In Leigh, theres always a coffee shop, wine bar or hairdressers rushing to step in !
John wrote:
We are all to blame as we all want everything under one roof and everything as cheap as possible. As for rents being expensive there is no logical explanation for this as when a landlord drives a tenant out due to high rents then there is no income for the landlord.
Not true In Leigh, theres always a coffee shop, wine bar or hairdressers rushing to step in !
Posted by: sharon, leigh on 8:58am Mon 30 Jun 08
[quote][bold]Narkella[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]rp[/bold] wrote: i'm absoultey guuted to hear Grindley's Bookshop has closed down. that shop (in my eyes) was a local institution.[/quote] Good to see you were such a loyal customer, they closed in January for goodness sake![/quote] very funny and true what your say NARKELLLA these are the so called loyal customers that are always sorry to see long established shops closing when they have closed, and always do there shopping locally when they can ... SHAME about the majority of the time when they shop at TESCO, THE INTERNET AND OUT OF TOWN SHOPPING CENTRES !
Narkella wrote:
rp wrote: i'm absoultey guuted to hear Grindley's Bookshop has closed down. that shop (in my eyes) was a local institution.
Good to see you were such a loyal customer, they closed in January for goodness sake!
very funny and true what your say NARKELLLA these are the so called loyal customers that are always sorry to see long established shops closing when they have closed, and always do there shopping locally when they can ... SHAME about the majority of the time when they shop at TESCO, THE INTERNET AND OUT OF TOWN SHOPPING CENTRES !
Posted by: Leigh Head, Leigh on 9:54am Mon 30 Jun 08
I live in Leigh and enjoy eating and drinking at the various bars and cafes in Leigh. I work in City of London, have lots of disposable cash and drive a porsche 911. My mates and I regularly do pub crawls around the bars in Leigh, so I say the more bars and cafes around town the better. As far as im concerned an old crusty bookshop like Grindley's was always going to close (they retired) as everyone buys books from Amazon etc, so this is a sign of the times. The shop Rosalinds sold utter crap and I am glad they have closed down to make room for a worthy business. Re the parking issues, I just drive my 911 around and park on double yellow lines etc as I can afford to pay for the parking tickets anyway.
I live in Leigh and enjoy eating and drinking at the various bars and cafes in Leigh. I work in City of London, have lots of disposable cash and drive a porsche 911. My mates and I regularly do pub crawls around the bars in Leigh, so I say the more bars and cafes around town the better. As far as im concerned an old crusty bookshop like Grindley's was always going to close (they retired) as everyone buys books from Amazon etc, so this is a sign of the times. The shop Rosalinds sold utter crap and I am glad they have closed down to make room for a worthy business. Re the parking issues, I just drive my 911 around and park on double yellow lines etc as I can afford to pay for the parking tickets anyway.
Posted by: derek, london on 11:23am Mon 30 Jun 08
1 hour parking is not enough time to do your shopping, have a bite to eat, window shop in places that sell overpriced tat and make an appointment at another hairdressers where it costs £75 just to have a 'consultation'?!!
i do like listening to those t****rs outide Vie Bar who shout into mobiles "YEAH! VIE BAR MATE INNIT?..GET YOUR **** DOWNHERE AND GET ON IT SON!" and love watching those stupid girls with oversized handbags who pretend to smoke whilst downing 8units in a single session. Grindleys was a sad state of affairs after being there for donkeys years but like someone said, you can buy same book on Amazon or play.com for pennies... rather like that film 'you got mail' with tom hanks and meg ryan... oh i live that film, makes me cry at the end when he arrives at the park with his dog Brinkley...
1 hour parking is not enough time to do your shopping, have a bite to eat, window shop in places that sell overpriced tat and make an appointment at another hairdressers where it costs £75 just to have a 'consultation'?!!
i do like listening to those t****rs outide Vie Bar who shout into mobiles "YEAH! VIE BAR MATE INNIT?..GET YOUR **** DOWNHERE AND GET ON IT SON!" and love watching those stupid girls with oversized handbags who pretend to smoke whilst downing 8units in a single session. Grindleys was a sad state of affairs after being there for donkeys years but like someone said, you can buy same book on Amazon or play.com for pennies... rather like that film 'you got mail' with tom hanks and meg ryan... oh i live that film, makes me cry at the end when he arrives at the park with his dog Brinkley...
Posted by: dan gleballs, fert on 12:14pm Mon 30 Jun 08
for gods sake derek!! pull yourself together only birdzz cry at dat sh1te, i smoke about in a flippin Lambo and this 1 hour lark sucks thats why i just park over someones drive way! i'm i'm young rich good looking and don't care, i am a vie bar t****r love it to be fair
those silly shops that have closed, we need a nightclub i think in leigh so the youth can throw some shapes!!
for gods sake derek!! pull yourself together only birdzz cry at dat sh1te, i smoke about in a flippin Lambo and this 1 hour lark sucks thats why i just park over someones drive way! i'm i'm young rich good looking and don't care, i am a vie bar t****r love it to be fair
those silly shops that have closed, we need a nightclub i think in leigh so the youth can throw some shapes!!
Posted by: Adam, Leigh on 1:18pm Mon 30 Jun 08
To be honest I'm not surprised at the shops closing. Why buy a book in Grindleys when Amazon has more choice and cheaper prices? I can't imagine who would buy anything from that old furniture store and the Newsagents didn't offer anything different to a number of stores on the broadway.
There's that bit and bobs store closing, they never had anything I wanted anyway and the picture shop was too specialist anyway.
There should be more shops that cater to the more well-heeled customer that Leigh seems to be attracting. Natural Edge is a good example of that, as are the deli's.
So as far as I can see the broadway is reacting to a changing market and these old stores are changing enough.
To be honest I'm not surprised at the shops closing. Why buy a book in Grindleys when Amazon has more choice and cheaper prices? I can't imagine who would buy anything from that old furniture store and the Newsagents didn't offer anything different to a number of stores on the broadway.
There's that bit and bobs store closing, they never had anything I wanted anyway and the picture shop was too specialist anyway.
There should be more shops that cater to the more well-heeled customer that Leigh seems to be attracting. Natural Edge is a good example of that, as are the deli's.
So as far as I can see the broadway is reacting to a changing market and these old stores are changing enough.
Posted by: Leigh Head, Leigh on 3:02pm Mon 30 Jun 08
Word up Dan. Derek sounds like you have a chip on your shoulder there son ? the shops in Leigh will just adapt to the younger and richer generation (like myself) and the most popular shops with us city workers earning loads of ca$h will survive. I welcome a s Starbucks and McDonalds personally !
Word up Dan. Derek sounds like you have a chip on your shoulder there son ? the shops in Leigh will just adapt to the younger and richer generation (like myself) and the most popular shops with us city workers earning loads of ca$h will survive. I welcome a s Starbucks and McDonalds personally !
Posted by: derek, london on 3:49pm Mon 30 Jun 08
Leigh-Head, if thats you driving that 911 around, could I ask why you need to slow down at Mariners to 3mph then thrash the b****x off the thing once your clear of st clemence church ??! you look a tw*t and everyone outside the bars thinks so too... oh and it sounds like your gearbox is busted between 3rd and 4th gear...either that or your just like all the other t****rs who just dont know how to drive a fast car with close ratio gearbox!
Dan... suggest you take that penis extension lambo of yours back to your daddy and tell him you are a tw*t for blocking my drive way! i cant get my escort 1.2 off the driveway sometimes....
Leigh-Head, if thats you driving that 911 around, could I ask why you need to slow down at Mariners to 3mph then thrash the b****x off the thing once your clear of st clemence church ??! you look a tw*t and everyone outside the bars thinks so too... oh and it sounds like your gearbox is busted between 3rd and 4th gear...either that or your just like all the other t****rs who just dont know how to drive a fast car with close ratio gearbox!
Dan... suggest you take that penis extension lambo of yours back to your daddy and tell him you are a tw*t for blocking my drive way! i cant get my escort 1.2 off the driveway sometimes....
Posted by: Leigh Head, Leigh on 5:05pm Mon 30 Jun 08
that does sound like me actually funnily enough - I only slow down to check the ladies in Vie/Mariners and then have it off again I have had that gearbox problem sorted now so next time you see me I'll spin it into 4th for you.
that does sound like me actually funnily enough - I only slow down to check the ladies in Vie/Mariners and then have it off again I have had that gearbox problem sorted now so next time you see me I'll spin it into 4th for you.
Posted by: Tony winchester, wos on 5:54pm Mon 30 Jun 08
I don't hear the council offering a drop in rates to help them out either.
I don't hear the council offering a drop in rates to help them out either.
Posted by: 911's are for girls, Get yourself a proper car! on 1:14pm Tue 1 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Leigh Head[/bold] wrote:
that does sound like me actually funnily enough - I only slow down to check the ladies in Vie/Mariners and then have it off again I have had that gearbox problem sorted now so next time you see me I'll spin it into 4th for you.[/quote] Do you know how cool you must look doing that!!!! ****, I bet the women fall at your feet! I have heard mutterings from the women at that place... Goes something like 'Oh look, that pr*ck in the Porsche is back. Maybe if we smile and wave he will get distracted and plough into something'.
Leigh Head wrote:
that does sound like me actually funnily enough - I only slow down to check the ladies in Vie/Mariners and then have it off again I have had that gearbox problem sorted now so next time you see me I'll spin it into 4th for you.
Do you know how cool you must look doing that!!!! ****, I bet the women fall at your feet! I have heard mutterings from the women at that place... Goes something like 'Oh look, that pr*ck in the Porsche is back. Maybe if we smile and wave he will get distracted and plough into something'.
Posted by: Smokey Bandit on 5:12pm Tue 1 Jul 08
[quote][bold]911's are for girls[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Leigh Head[/bold] wrote: that does sound like me actually funnily enough - I only slow down to check the ladies in Vie/Mariners and then have it off again I have had that gearbox problem sorted now so next time you see me I'll spin it into 4th for you.[/quote] Do you know how cool you must look doing that!!!! ****, I bet the women fall at your feet! I have heard mutterings from the women at that place... Goes something like 'Oh look, that pr*ck in the Porsche is back. Maybe if we smile and wave he will get distracted and plough into something'. [/quote] Isn't the 911 the classic "I'm a C0CK car"?
911's are for girls wrote:
Leigh Head wrote: that does sound like me actually funnily enough - I only slow down to check the ladies in Vie/Mariners and then have it off again I have had that gearbox problem sorted now so next time you see me I'll spin it into 4th for you.
Do you know how cool you must look doing that!!!! ****, I bet the women fall at your feet! I have heard mutterings from the women at that place... Goes something like 'Oh look, that pr*ck in the Porsche is back. Maybe if we smile and wave he will get distracted and plough into something'.
Isn't the 911 the classic "I'm a C0CK car"?
Posted by: mike, leigh on 2:12pm Wed 2 Jul 08
Landlords are parasites. They contribute nothing to society. This is a classic example of how greed by a selfish few can effect a whole community. But it's not just rent on businesses - landords and investors buy houses, split them into several bedsits therefore making it even harder for first-time buyers to find a home that they will take pride in. But hey, we can't complain - we live true blue Tory area where we know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Me, me, me.
Landlords are parasites. They contribute nothing to society. This is a classic example of how greed by a selfish few can effect a whole community. But it's not just rent on businesses - landords and investors buy houses, split them into several bedsits therefore making it even harder for first-time buyers to find a home that they will take pride in. But hey, we can't complain - we live true blue Tory area where we know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Me, me, me.
Posted by: The Vicar, Basildon on 4:15pm Wed 2 Jul 08
[quote][bold]mike[/bold] wrote:
Landlords are parasites. They contribute nothing to society. This is a classic example of how greed by a selfish few can effect a whole community. But it's not just rent on businesses - landords and investors buy houses, split them into several bedsits therefore making it even harder for first-time buyers to find a home that they will take pride in. But hey, we can't complain - we live true blue Tory area where we know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Me, me, me. [/quote] Blue and Red are the same colours these days, Mike.
mike wrote:
Landlords are parasites. They contribute nothing to society. This is a classic example of how greed by a selfish few can effect a whole community. But it's not just rent on businesses - landords and investors buy houses, split them into several bedsits therefore making it even harder for first-time buyers to find a home that they will take pride in. But hey, we can't complain - we live true blue Tory area where we know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Me, me, me.
Blue and Red are the same colours these days, Mike.
Posted by: gaz, leigh on 5:29pm Wed 2 Jul 08
[quote][bold]The Vicar[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]mike[/bold] wrote: Landlords are parasites. They contribute nothing to society. This is a classic example of how greed by a selfish few can effect a whole community. But it's not just rent on businesses - landords and investors buy houses, split them into several bedsits therefore making it even harder for first-time buyers to find a home that they will take pride in. But hey, we can't complain - we live true blue Tory area where we know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Me, me, me. [/quote] Blue and Red are the same colours these days, Mike.[/quote] Thats true !
Chelsea and Liverpool are both financed from money overseas !
The Vicar wrote:
mike wrote: Landlords are parasites. They contribute nothing to society. This is a classic example of how greed by a selfish few can effect a whole community. But it's not just rent on businesses - landords and investors buy houses, split them into several bedsits therefore making it even harder for first-time buyers to find a home that they will take pride in. But hey, we can't complain - we live true blue Tory area where we know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Me, me, me.
Blue and Red are the same colours these days, Mike.
Thats true !
Chelsea and Liverpool are both financed from money overseas !
Posted by: Leigh Head, Leigh on 8:57am Fri 4 Jul 08
So, to all who dont like Porsches - I dont suppose it has anything to do with the fact that YOU CANNOT AFFORD ONE? I bet you fight the ladies off driving about in your Maroon Y Reg 1.4 Focus Ghia huh ?
So, to all who dont like Porsches - I dont suppose it has anything to do with the fact that YOU CANNOT AFFORD ONE? I bet you fight the ladies off driving about in your Maroon Y Reg 1.4 Focus Ghia huh ?
Posted by: Girly Porsche, ooh la la on 11:58am Fri 4 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Leigh Head[/bold] wrote:
So, to all who dont like Porsches - I dont suppose it has anything to do with the fact that YOU CANNOT AFFORD ONE? I bet you fight the ladies off driving about in your Maroon Y Reg 1.4 Focus Ghia huh ?[/quote] Have you ever thought about changing your name to Richard? Think it would suit you better. Any why would I want to buy a car with the engine in the wrong place??? crap German ponce car...
Leigh Head wrote:
So, to all who dont like Porsches - I dont suppose it has anything to do with the fact that YOU CANNOT AFFORD ONE? I bet you fight the ladies off driving about in your Maroon Y Reg 1.4 Focus Ghia huh ?
Have you ever thought about changing your name to Richard? Think it would suit you better. Any why would I want to buy a car with the engine in the wrong place??? crap German ponce car...
Posted by: F Buckley, Leigh on Sea on 6:03pm Sat 5 Jul 08
[bold]I love Leigh on Sea. However,I am continually frustrated at the drunkards lounging about on the public through-fare. Is it not remarable the we as tax payer have had to foot the bill for the expensive paved areas in Leigh and public landlords take out hard earned tax and place their seats outside, spewing right accross the pavement. I have witnessed on many occasions old people having to walk around drunkards indeed rcently witnessed a young mother having to manouver her pushchair onto the road to avoid abus from a group of men drinking at Vie.
The owners of these public houses charge West End prices, dont contribute to Leigh and do not care of the effects alcohol fueld loughts have on the area. For the good of Leigh Stop any more pubs opening.. Leigh is already on several website as a 'pub crawl' weekend area for a good night out. stop more pubs in Leigh on Sea.[/bold]
I love Leigh on Sea. However,I am continually frustrated at the drunkards lounging about on the public through-fare. Is it not remarable the we as tax payer have had to foot the bill for the expensive paved areas in Leigh and public landlords take out hard earned tax and place their seats outside, spewing right accross the pavement. I have witnessed on many occasions old people having to walk around drunkards indeed rcently witnessed a young mother having to manouver her pushchair onto the road to avoid abus from a group of men drinking at Vie.
The owners of these public houses charge West End prices, dont contribute to Leigh and do not care of the effects alcohol fueld loughts have on the area. For the good of Leigh Stop any more pubs opening.. Leigh is already on several website as a 'pub crawl' weekend area for a good night out. stop more pubs in Leigh on Sea. Posted by: A Leigh resident on 10:48am Sun 6 Jul 08
If the ignorant yuppie tw@ts posting here are anything to go by it's no wonder Leigh is going downhill fast. As someone else said these brainles idiots know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Still, give it time and these plonkers will be replaced by gangs of hoodies then the yuppies will start bleating.
If the ignorant yuppie tw@ts posting here are anything to go by it's no wonder Leigh is going downhill fast. As someone else said these brainles idiots know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Still, give it time and these plonkers will be replaced by gangs of hoodies then the yuppies will start bleating.
Posted by: localman, leigh on 9:16am Mon 7 Jul 08
Council needs to wake up
1. Council needs to wake it self from its slumber and sort the parking issue it out now.
Business rates increases need to be spent on parking issues and not discussing the Christmas lights in JANUARY.
what has the council done over the last 20 years to preserve the independent shopping experince of Leigh ?
Answers on a postage stamp !
Council needs to wake up
1. Council needs to wake it self from its slumber and sort the parking issue it out now.
Business rates increases need to be spent on parking issues and not discussing the Christmas lights in JANUARY.
what has the council done over the last 20 years to preserve the independent shopping experince of Leigh ?
Answers on a postage stamp !
Posted by: Old Rusty, Leigh on Sea on 9:21pm Mon 7 Jul 08
I just love to hear the whitterings of dear old Peter Wexham, I remember him whinging about "too many antique shops" in Leigh many years ago, now we don't have any (to mention). His wife was an antique dealer at the time must have feared the competition, perhaps she's now moved into the catering trade.
It's simply supply and demand...the council keep on supplying planning permission for yuppie flats and the owners of the flats demand wine bars and fine dining.
I think Peter's been on the wine himself...have you heard his latest daft idea..."A bus lane down the London Road "
Chuckle !!!
I just love to hear the whitterings of dear old Peter Wexham, I remember him whinging about "too many antique shops" in Leigh many years ago, now we don't have any (to mention). His wife was an antique dealer at the time must have feared the competition, perhaps she's now moved into the catering trade.
It's simply supply and demand...the council keep on supplying planning permission for yuppie flats and the owners of the flats demand wine bars and fine dining.
I think Peter's been on the wine himself...have you heard his latest daft idea..."A bus lane down the London Road "
Chuckle !!!
Posted by: Leigh_Drinker, In the Ditch, next to the bush on 1:21pm Tue 8 Jul 08
Dont close the bars...then we would have just a load of old dusty shops and grey heads everywhere. At the same time, how are we going to get rid of the fat heads? The ones that dont move out of your way in the Mariners because they think they earn more money than you. Or as my mates call them, the 'Leigh starers'....test - walk past the mariners around 8pm....count how many people stare at you...lots!
Dont close the bars...then we would have just a load of old dusty shops and grey heads everywhere. At the same time, how are we going to get rid of the fat heads? The ones that dont move out of your way in the Mariners because they think they earn more money than you. Or as my mates call them, the 'Leigh starers'....test - walk past the mariners around 8pm....count how many people stare at you...lots!
Posted by: Pete, Leigh on 8:24am Thu 10 Jul 08
[bold]bold[/bold] Good old echo, accurate as always.
The shop in the picture closed due to the age of the owner, he is retiring and has had many offers for the premises!
Grindleys sold out because he had a great offer for the building
Rosalinds, yes they shut down due to poor trade, but did you se the junk they sold, it was not a viable business. The shop is already being stripped and refitted with a new tenant.
I know of two other shops that are closing but have someone ready to take over the premises.
Leigh is not dead, it is a unique place that with the support of the public has a great future, its problems are not exclusive, everyone is suffering at the moment with the current economic climate.
Some positive media would be far more constructive rather than trying to knock the place down
Good old echo, accurate as always.
The shop in the picture closed due to the age of the owner, he is retiring and has had many offers for the premises!
Grindleys sold out because he had a great offer for the building
Rosalinds, yes they shut down due to poor trade, but did you se the junk they sold, it was not a viable business. The shop is already being stripped and refitted with a new tenant.
I know of two other shops that are closing but have someone ready to take over the premises.
Leigh is not dead, it is a unique place that with the support of the public has a great future, its problems are not exclusive, everyone is suffering at the moment with the current economic climate.
Some positive media would be far more constructive rather than trying to knock the place down
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