Local mechanic’s eviction date has been moved forwards to 12 November, despite assurances of a later date from Transport for London (TfL) property boss.
Len Maloney, 60, who has worked at JC Motors in Haggerston for over 40 years, was informed of the news this week.
On 12 August, Maloney received an email from Graeme Craig, Chief Executive of TfL’s property company, confirming a “short-term lease on a peppercorn [low] rent that will cease on 30 November 2024, as a gesture of goodwill.”
It follows a meeting between Maloney and his representatives from the East End Trade Guild (EETG), and Seb Dance, London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport.
Krissie Nicholson, co-founder of EETG, said: “[The meeting] was very disappointing. They just don’t seem to register that Len is part of the social value of their estate.”
Increases in rent to £55,000 from £22,000 in 2017 have left Maloney with arrears of over £112,000.
Places for London said: “Comparable businesses are able to continue paying their rents”, and so it “cannot give any special status to this tenant.” The decision was made “reluctantly”.
The EETG estimates that JC Motors has supported 300 local young people with apprenticeships and work experience since assuming its tenancy from TfL – many in collaboration with the charity Hackney Inspire.
Last week, EETG organised a fundraiser at Signature Brew, Acton Mews, featuring a performance from singer, Hak Baker, and a raffle.
“The fight is between ourselves and Places for London,” Maloney said. “They can’t see what’s happening on the ground.”
Cosmo Adair is a postgraduate journalism student at City, University of London. He writes about Haggerston and very little else.