[Imc-birmingham] Fw: Press release : MARS ATTACKS! ODirty tricks¹ claim by Fiveways Traders Association

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Press release : MARS ATTACKS! 'Dirty tricks' claim by Fiveways Traders Association
----- Original Message ----- 
From: whatson_pr 
To: cafeone at whatson.uk.com 
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2007 8:01 PM
Subject: Press release : MARS ATTACKS! ODirty tricks¹ claim by Fiveways Traders Association


PRESS RELEASE: 
For immediate release 6 December 2007

MARS ATTACKS!


'I am concerned that no planning permission has been sought to close the area.& lack of consultation with communities & business.' Councillor Carl Rice

'Dirty tricks' claim by Fiveways Traders Association

A groundswell of public support has followed a campaign by the Fiveways Traders Association to raise awareness of plans to close the Fiveways Shopping Centre in January pending 'certain demolition works' without planning permission having been granted. Five Ways Shopping Centre on Broad Street is currently home to established businesses including Café One, the UK's first Fairtrade venue, Salters Café, GG Hairdressers, Great American Sports and community arts venue Curio City Shop, who recently organised the successful 'Reality Estate' exhibition.
 
These businesses have been given until January 3rd to vacate the premises before hoardings are erected across the entrances, and the traders are objecting at having to close down and relocate over the busy Christmas period, claiming that they are being 'forced out' without consideration for the future of their businesses.
 
No proposals have been made to regenerate the area by the owners, Mars Pension Trustees and their agents LaSalle Investment Management, and the traders feel the victim of 'dirty tricks' having been forced to sign an amended lease, and are asking for the right to remain open until options for the site can be properly and publicly discussed, including consultations with the traders and the local community.
 
'To defend local rights, we're mobilising support and publicising our campaign among influential organisations and forging alliances with other venues, traders, businesses and projects at risk of similar eviction across the city. We have also generated considerable support for proposals to refurbish the development, creating a lively public space based on the wishes of the local community and the wider diversity of Birmingham and the Midlands.' Fiveways Traders Association

The Fiveways Traders Association view the proposals as a reflection of the current situation across the city, with the Bullring draining revenue and trade from independent businesses and creating economic 'sink areas' in Birmingham's suburbs. Brick Lane, Coin Street and Covent Garden in London are cited as prime examples of urban regeneration in the UK with community areas, shared spaces. Environmentally-friendly development and sustainable small businesses as a priority, an approach that they feel could revive and regenerate Fiveways Shopping Centre and provide a better service for local residents, students, workers and visitors that use the area.
City MP, Councillors, Churches, Residence & Community groups are all giving their full support with over 1000 signatures already collected to the plight of Five Ways Association. Meantime Mars has refused to meet the Association & declined to comment.

'We have realised our dream of providing a shared space for the community where people can meet and organise campaigns, as well as putting on parties and offering Fairtrade food and drink. This is a thriving business employing many young people and students but now we must close down.'
Sam Alim, Cafe One


Interviews; with traders, customers, local leaders and supporters can be arranged 
 
Photo; Fiveways Traders and image of 'Mars Attacks!' available
http://www.whatson.uk.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=43&Itemid=51


For more information please contact;
Fiveways Traders Association, c/o Café One, Fiveways, Broad St, Birmingham B15 1DU
T 0121 245 0000
E editorial at whatson.uk.com <mailto:editorial at whatson.uk.com>  
W www.whatson.uk.com <http://www.whatson.uk.com> 


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t>+44(0)121 245 0000 f>+44(0)121 245 0009 http://www.whatson.uk.com 
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