WHAT more could be done to protect London's small shops?
Has your local high street become a corridor of empty shops? Or are you a small business owner struggling to compete with a supermarket giant? Perhaps you work in a deteriorating neighbourhood that is failing to attract shoppers.
If so, the London Assembly would like to hear from you as we look at ways to help support local shops.
Small retailers account for almost 90 per cent of all shops in London, employing more than 100,000 people. They provide local people with everyday goods and services and also keep high streets thriving.
The London Assembly planning and housing committee is reviewing planning policy measures designed to protect London's small shops.
We will look at what progress has been made and advise the mayor on what more needs to be done.
As part of the investigation, we would like to hear from you about how your business or local neighbourhood has changed or struggled, and what support is needed to keep high streets thriving and diverse.
We want to capture the views of as many people as possible to feed into our investigation.
To submit your views, email us at smallshops@london.gov.uk or you can write to Alexandra Beer, London Assembly, FREEPOST LON15799, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London, SE1 2AA.
For more information about the investigation visit, http://www.london. gov.uk/assembly/scrutiny/ planning_small-shops.jsp#.
I look forward to hearing from you.
COUNCILLOR JENNY JONES AM
Chair London Assembly Planning and housing committee
