Lib Dems humiliated over shops sell-off
July 2005

Councillor Steve Reed outside shops at the heart of the protest in Streatham

Lib Dem finance member Councillor Ashley Lumsden was today seen with his tail firmly between his legs as he was forced into a humiliating U-Turn on his proposed sell off of shops in Streatham. Having previously blamed the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for imposing the sale, he today withdrew the application to cripple the commercial heart of Streatham.

In the face of massive protests by residents and shopkeepers, supported by Labour Councillors Lib Dem Finance Chief Ashley Lumsden backed down from selling off Streatham’s shop leases. Residents and traders have campaigned vociferously over the past two weeks and the u-turn is a victory for people power in Streatham.

Resident throughout Streatham joined the campaign

Local shopkeepers were delighted that their livelihoods have been saved, but there is still anger that they were ever threatened in the first place.

Labour councillor Steve Reed, said:

"This shows that local campaigning can make a real difference. The Liberal Democrats thought they could make some quick cash by selling off these leases and people would just take it.”

“This victory represents a clear message to the Lib Dems. Lambeth residents will not have their community assets sold off to fill the black holes in the Lib Dem finances.”

Although Shops in Streatham have been spared the sell off of their leases, many other traders in other parts of the borough are still under threat. Labour Councillors will be campaigning with them to help save their shops.

View some local residents supporting the campaign here.
View the original story here.

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What did you think of the Lib Dem and Tory councillors’ plans to close down local shops and rip the heart out of the community? Are you pleased that people power has won and that there has been a U-Turn? Please let us have your views below.