I refer to your article Cafes and restaurants are ruining High Road', (April 12). As an Oakleigh ward councillor, and a local resident, I would agree with the sentiment expressed by Mac McKenny.
Our High Road has a unique character, which we need not only to maintain and safeguard, but nurture and support. Over the past few years, shops have seen rent increases, which have forced many small traders to leave the area. As a council we have no control over this, nor the business rates, where we are simply a tax collector for Gordon Brown.
However, we do try to ensure a broad mix of retail provision in our High Street.
Our stance was shown notably recently when we saw off a challenge from Tesco for a store in Finchley, which, if opened, would have hit trade to nearby smaller retailers.
Whetstone is still very much a community High Road, and Barnet Council does all that it can to support our small traders.
Councillor Marina Yannakoudakis Conservative Oakleigh ward
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