Hampstead Health Shop Under Threat of Closure

I was sorry to see this week in the Ham&High that yet another local business is under threat of closure. Hampstead Health Shop has been on Hampstead High Street for 26 years, and due to increases in rent and business rates, will potentially have to close.

    The business is owned by by Surya Jasani, and she has found herself in this postition due to the council selling the properties to landlords who have increased the rent to more than £70,000. Needless to say, too much for a private business such as Hampstead health Shop.

    According the the article in last week's Ham&High, there is very little that can be done for Mrs Jasani, so unless some miracle happens, the shop is likely to have to close.

    Hampstead Health Shop isn't the first business to have to (potentially) close because of increases in rent. Sunday sadly saw the last open night of Hampstead's New End Theatre who also had to close because Hampstead's rent was just too much.

    Is there a concern then, that high rents in Hampstead could be the downfull of the highstreet? Are other shops struggling, and are we heading towards a high street full of chain stores who can afford the high rates? Your thoughts please...