Story:Anwar Suliman & Amy Palmer
Photo Anwar Suliman
As of this Summer, the Spital Hill improvement scheme has been complete and the shop fronts renovated.
In March the Messenger reported on some shopkeepers’ concerns around what work had been agreed, with some shops being told there was no money for their premises to be painted, while Aden Corner had been painted without permission. The council responded that they had apologised for the mispainting of the shop and said the work would be ‘made good’ by Summer 2015. The Messenger caught up with the shopkeepers and shoppers to get their opinions of the finished project.
Some shopkeepers are still unhappy with the work. DurDur reported having windows broken when the scaffolding was up, which have now been boarded over rather than having the glass replaced. Ileys food store complained of being left out of pocket due to a broken shutter. Natural Spices are unhappy with the angle of the Jamaican flag on their sign and the images of coconut trees; and Sky Travel feels the job has been ‘half done’.
The council have responded that: “It’s great to see so many positive comments about the scheme, and it is also good to see individual businesses continuing the regeneration by carrying out further works on their own properties.
“This was a large scheme of some 84 properties, but overall there were few complaints and we are satisfied that we have responded and resolved all the complaints that were received.
“I am afraid we are unable to provide information regarding individual cases, however we have checked our records of all complaints received and I am satisfied that all were dealt with appropriately within the terms of the scheme.
“We will shortly be sending out a customer satisfaction survey to all businesses included in the scheme to get feedback on their thoughts about the scheme- and also to see if they think that footfall has increased since the scheme was completed.”
Other shopkeepers and shoppers from Jerusalem cafe, and J.B Hats & Things were more positive, praising the council for brightening up the area – especially with the new look Ellesmere Green. What do you think of the shop front make over? Write to us or email mail@burngreavemessenger.org to have your say.