Health shop thanks for all the support from the community

Published: September 15, 2011

I WRITE to thank the Heath and Hampstead Society, the local community and the New Journal for the tremendous support which they have given to the shop and to me over the past two very stressful weeks.

Thanks too to the Editor for his Comment (Fight for the High Street, September 8).

By the swift actions of the Heath and Hampstead Society and by their campaign, the closure of my business, which was potentially likely to occur this week, owing to the claim for forfeiture of the lease and rent arrears, has, for the moment, been avoided.

I have been humbled by the campaign to help me and by the messages of encouragement which I received from members of the community.

I understand in the two weeks of campaigning there have been over 700 signatures on the petition and 32 letters sent to the chairman of Prudential plc.

I had not realised the depth of feeling that the local community felt towards the shop or, indeed, to helping small traders on the high street like myself.

I have shepherded my business over the past 26 years, working seven days a week and taking just two days holiday a year to make this business work. I shall work hard to continue to trade and, with the support and custom of the community, I am hopeful that the business can be turned around.

Thank you again.
Surya Jasani
Director Hampstead
Health Shop Ltd