27th August 2005

Green Councillors representing the Cowley Road have pledged their support for small traders fighting rent increases.

Say Cllr Craig Simmons (who wrote a letter in support of the traders earlier this month - see below), Chair of the East Area Parliament, "As a small business owner myself I understand the stresses and strains of dealing with landlords and the uncertainty that arises when rents are up for review. Local Councillors are currently looking at what we can do to reduce the pressure on local traders. Two specific things we are taking forward is looking at moderating rents on Council-owned properties and seeing whether we can fund a campaign to promote local retailers."

Cllr Simmons is backed by other local City Councillors; Claire Palmer, Mary Jane Sareva, Sid Phelps and County Councillor for the area Larry Sanders.

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Letter to Editor

12th August 2005

Dear Sir,

It is outrageous that some landlords are seeking large increases in rents on the Cowley Road pricing out longstanding small traders (Oxford Mail: 12th August). The diversity of retail on the Cowley Road is what makes this part of Oxford so unique.

Although there is nothing that we can do as local Councillors to stop these landlords profiteering, I have asked the local Council Committee, the East Area Parliament, to look at what can be done to help promote local business and thus help them better cope with these increased charges.

Yours

Craig

Cllr. Craig Simmons

Chair, East Area Parliament

Green Party

Oxford City Council (St. Mary's Ward)

Oxfordshire County Council (East Oxford Division)

41 Magdalen Road, Oxford OX4 1RB

Tel: 01865 202257