More than 3,000 residents have backed a campaign to save an independent shop in Brixton Market after owners increased the rent by 22 per cent.
Family-run Nour Cash & Carry has been operating in the market for 12 years but is fighting to stay open after being handed a new contract without warning.
It comes after the Evening Standard told last month how independent traders fear they could be priced out of the market if rents continue to rise.
Tessa Jowell today backed the campaign, saying it is “absolutely vital” that independent traders continue to flourish.
The MP for Dulwich and West Norwood said she has met Lambeth councillors to discuss the problems and plans talks with traders.
Saja Shaheen, whose family owns Nour Cash & Carry, said that despite huge local support they still had not reached an agreement with the market owners. Andrew Burnett, chief executive of Geraud Markets (UK) Ltd, insisted their focus was on independents and that he is open to discussions with Nour.
“We want to work with the traders. Our core business has, and always has been, around independent retailers,” he said.
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