On Saturday 4 July local families gathered to protest for the second time in a week to show backing for a community store being priced out of the booming Chapel Street market.
The Shalimar shop has been at the heart of the community for three decades but may have to close because it can’t find a home in the Vimto Gardens development.
Proprietor Arshad Malik, 59, known locally as Mo, told SalfordOnline.com he had agreed to move his shop into Vimto Gardens when the original plans were proposed.
But in the six years since, the large unit was allegedly offed to Tesco which would have effectively put Mo out of business.
“Tesco refused to come because there is one down the road, so the unit that was offered to them was offered to me, but at £60,000 a year I can’t afford it,” he said.
“The smaller units in the building were offered to me too, but I have been told that they will also be convenience stores which just wouldn’t work.
“My current shop is owned by the same developer, so if I don’t move, they will demolish my shop and I will have nothing.
“This is why people are protesting, because I am being priced out of the area.”
Campaigners accuse developers of putting profits before people, and steamrollering the local community to install their brand of regeneration in this formerly forgetten area of Salford.
More than 20 residents came to offer their support to the shopkeeper in the second such protest this week.
Islington Estate resident, Linda Hunt, 64, said: “Mo has been here for thirty years and has supported the community. He’s been such a part of the estate that he is not only a friend to us, he’s like family.”
The campaign group, which has a 600-strong following on Facebook, has been organised by Sarah Millar, who has been posting flyers around the city in order to spread the word about the possible closure.
Mrs Millar, 42, said: “Mo has his roots in this community, he’s watched us all grow up. To not give him a corner shop at a price that he can afford and just bring someone else in, it isn’t right.
She continued: “Don’t get me wrong, the new buildings and flats will boost the local businesses, so it could be a good thing, but not if it’s taking the old people away. They need to include the small businesses in the regeneration, not just put profits before people.”
The group has now vowed to hold weekly demonstrations outside the convenience store every Saturday from 12pm to 2pm.
