A barber has been ordered to remove a bench that has been set outside his shop for 15 years or pay for an expensive £500 permit.
Michael Vasili, 42, runs George’s Barber Room in Kentish Town, north London – started by his father George Vasili, in 1989.
The bench had been there for waiting customers to sit on, for staff to take their breaks, and for passersby to perch on for a rest.
But two weeks ago, a Camden Council officer came by ordering that the shop pay £500 for a permit to keep the bench, followed by a £350 annual renewal fee.
Mr Vasili says they are unable to afford this extra cost, so they have been forced to remove the bench.
But he is now campaigning for it to be returned at no added cost.
He said: ‘I was pretty shocked. It is part of the community. We let anyone sit on the chair; it is not just for customers.
‘We are a community barbershop; everyone knows us. For them to do that, it’s like, is this the thank-you we get?
Michael Vasili, 42, has been ordered to remove the bench outside his London barbers by the council or pay for a £500 permit which renews for £350 annually
The bench had been there for waiting customers to sit on, for staff to take their breaks, and for passersby to perch on for a rest
‘It is expensive and things are hard at the minute with bills going up. Now they are trying to make money off the sun.
‘I think it is very unfair. It is going to have a big impact on me. I am going to try my hardest to get the bench back.’
Mr Vasili says the bench is used by everyone in the community, and he has received a lot of support since it was taken away.
He claims that the pavement is around seven metres wide, so the seat doesn’t cause any obstruction.
The bench, which was rescued from a closing-down pub, is put away every evening when they close, so it is not available unless they are working.
He believes the council should not be using one rule for all businesses, and should be analysing based on impact and what the bench is used for.
He said: ‘Old people use it when they are walking to the station for a little break. For someone to come and tell us after 15 years without even discussing it first was a big shock.
‘In the summer it was very hot, so we sit outside to get a bit of fresh air. Now we have got nowhere to sit.
‘It is a bit disappointing really because it is for the community, and Camden Council always talk about community projects.
‘They are putting us in the same category as pubs and restaurants and cafes, but we are not, we are just a local barbershop.’
Mr Vasili has now set up a petition, which has received more than 140 signatures in two weeks
‘We are just trying to make the community a nice spot here and they have ruined it,’ Mr Vasili added
Mr Vasili has now set up a petition, which has received more than 140 signatures in two weeks.
Once he has sorted some paperwork and the petition has more traction, he is going to try and negotiate with the council for his bench’s return.
He added: ‘We are just trying to make the community a nice spot here and they have ruined it.
‘The locals are pretty unhappy as well with the removal of the bench. People have been going crazy. One of my customers said they will sit outside and chain themselves to it.
‘It is disgusting really that we are not allowed to sit outside our shop. We pay enough, and we do enough for this high street. Instead of them helping us, they are taking more money off us.
‘I know it is only a bench, but it does make a big difference. I believe we can get it back, but I am not paying for it.’
A Camden Council spokesperson said: ‘We appreciate this bench is well-loved by the local community and hope it continues to be.
‘As it sits on the public highway, a pavement licence is required by law, with annual costs in Camden in line with other London boroughs.
‘We will continue to work to ensure that the same regulations apply fairly and consistently across the borough.’
