LETTER: Council creates another empty shop

However in the same issue it reported that the Today’s Express store in Upper Mill Gate has had its alcohol licence revoked.

The owner of this shop on his own admission has invested in improvements and security measures to help with the anti-social behaviour in the area.

RMBC should remember this shop was originally Wrays butchers who moved to larger premises and was left empty for a while.

Obviously Mr Argmugan Kalamohan saw the potential for a convenience type store, but requiring long opening hours and investment in shop fitting etc.

This has resulted in an empty shop long occupied and contributing to the local, commercial  business etc.

In the present business climate retailers require every possible source of income to contribute to their overheads.

RMBC in this case have removed the opportunity and perhaps this loss of income may be just enough for them to say cheers RMBC for creating another empty shop.

The owners’ own consultant Mr Rushton stated anti-social behaviour should be viewed on a wider scale and that alcohol was been purchased from other retail stores.

RMBC need to consider a more initial preventative course of action via police, PCSO, warden etc, all funded by Rotherham rate payers.

The action taken by RMBC has not been thought out and this shop owner appears to be penalised mindful of the situation, ie anti-social behaviour in All Saints Square, Effingham Square seating area and elsewhere.

Should the owners’ appeal be successful then the chairman of RMBC and associates, and designated councillors responsible would have cost the owner any profit between March and June and his legal costs.

Think again RMBC.

K Bott