Hampstead Health Shop Officially Closed

We reported a couple of months back that a health shop on Hampstead High Street, simply called Hampstead health Shop, was under threat of closure. Sadly, it was confirmed last week that the shop will be closing due to increases in rent.

    Surya Jasani went to court in an attempt to have the rent reduced to a more manageable level, but has lost the case.

    Despite a petition signed by 1000 people and a candle-lit vigil, the Jasani lost the case. A spokesman was quoted in the Ham&High: 'Sue would like to thank you all for your support to her in her fight to stay on Hampstead High Street. But, in the end, she simply could not cope with the high rent and high business rates coupled with the downturn in the economy.'

    There is a glimmer of hope for Jasani, as there are rumours of an appropriate space likely to become available on Heath Street, but time will tell.

    So should local authorities do more to keep local businesses afloat? Should Jasani have received more help? Or is it as simple as, if you can't pay the rent, you have to move?