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Camden News - by SARA NEWMAN
Published: 4 September 2008

Claude Bonello was told to buy a pavement permit for his greengrocers

After 20 years, Claude charged for display

FOR more than 20 years, colourful pavement displays of fruit and vegetables have enticed shoppers into a popular Highgate greengrocers.
But a Town Hall swoop has left shopkeepers in Swains Lane accusing the council of “Gestapo” tactics to squeeze extra cash out of them.
On Wednesday bailiffs swooped on the popular parade and told Claude Bonello, who has run Claude’s Greengrocers for 22 years, to move his stock from the front of his shop or face a fine of £300.
Mr Bonello told the New Journal he was hit with a bill for more than £100 for the privilege of using the pavement.
He said: “They threatened to take our stuff away and fine us £300 if we don’t pay.
“It’s the first time in 22 years that we have had to pay this.”
Mr Bonello said he paid the fee – which usually applies to stallholders who run businesses on pavements – rather than take the council through the courts.
Other traders have also been hit. Gary Covington, of Covington Florists, was told his small rack of flowers placed against his shop window meant he owed the Town Hall cash.
He said: “Apparently the flowers and plants outside the shop were an obstruction. It’s funny how that obstruction disappears with the appearance of a paid-for permit.”
And Baba gift shop manager Violette Annpognat, who was forced to bring her card stands and furniture inside her shop, said: “I change the display outside the shop all the time. It enhances the neighbourhood – children and grannies love it.”
A council spokeswoman said the shops had been blocking the pavements for people with pushchairs or wheelchair users.
“The shops did not have licences to trade on the street or to have tables and chairs outside,” the spokeswoman added. “We hand-delivered letters to every business to inform them that they would need to remove the obstructions or apply for licences to trade on a public highway.”

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