Battle To Keep Marie's Corner Store Continues

Following news that a new planning application is made

Marie's Store in Cunnington Street, which had a reprieve from closure last year, is under threat again following a renewed planning application for development of the building.

Locals have pledged to continue their campaign to keep the store open and last weekend lodged an application with Ealing Council to have the store considered an 'Asset of Community Value'.

Last year residents, councillors and the local MP Angie Bray, supported a petition to save the shop, on the corner of Antrobus Road, saying it had been at the heart of the community for many years.

Lib Dem Cllr Gary Malcolm outside Marie's Store

Cllr Gary Malcolm said that over the weekend it had come to light that a new application had been made. Ealing Council is due to make a decision in the coming weeks.

"This application, for the store to be considered an asset of Community Value, could be vital in ensuring that the popular store cannot be converted into flats or something other than a local store."

Marie has also signed up to the application as have many committee members of the local residents assocation, AGRA.

In their application , they say that Marie's Store provides many essential services to the local community such as:

Providing a local “ear” about vulnerable residents who have not been seen in
the shop for a number of days. This means that residents can check on them
especially in the Winter time.:Providing goods (not just foodstuffs) 7 days a week when other shops are not open; Allowing a notice-board to be used to allow local residents to gain
employment, swap unused items or to buy & sell items; The distance to the nearest food shop (Sainsbury’s) is 700 metres or so away meaning that those with walking ailments (there is a large elderly people’s home on Rothschild Road) would find it easier to visit Marie’s Store.

January 13, 2014