THE arrival of a Tesco branch in Kentish Town has sparked renewed concern that its high street will be dominated by charity shops, estate agents and supermarkets.
The supermarket giant has confirmed it is planning to open a Metro branch at 203 Kentish Town Road at the end of this month.
The site was previously leased to independent upmarket furniture retailer RJM, which has moved to new premises near Old Street in the City.
A member of Kentish Town Traders Association, Jake Morgan, from Morgan Stationers, said independent shops were finding it harder to survive.
He added: “The council has made their intentions for the high street clear. They don’t want deliveries – there is only one loading bay on the street and the small shops are always being ticketed.
“It used to be a proper high street where you could buy anything you wanted. But the parking restrictions and rents are destroying small businesses. Pretty soon, there won’t be any independents left – just charity shops, supermarkets and estate agents.”
Mr Morgan said the street had lost a kitchenware shop, haberdashers, greengrocer, butcher and two fishmongers’ shops, and that takings were declining.
He added: “When the local shops close, it destroys any sense of community here. It is very depressing.
“I don’t know how long I will be able to survive myself.”
A spokesman for Tesco, which announced record profits last month as the country’s most profitable supermarket chain, said the company was always looking for new opportunities to benefit consumers.
He said: “The new store will employ about 30 staff. It is about offering customers more choice, which is good for competition and good for the economy.”
A Town Hall press official said the council had reviewed waiting and loading restrictions along part of Kentish Town Road in response to concerns raised by traders and residents.
He said: “From the summer, there will be increased loading and pay-and-display facilities and the restrictions will be rationalised. We will be publishing a leaflet to advertise this.
“This will help traders while catering to the needs of residents.
“Work is also under way to improve the street environment, which will make it more pleasant for shoppers and residents.”