OPINION: Community matters even more when your store is under threat

Sunny News has been at the heart of his local community in south London since he opened his store almost 30 years ago.

So it’s no surprise that when his landlord served notice on the shop in June last year, his customers immediately rallied around help him save his business.

They launched a ‘Save Sunny News’ petition; were responsible for more than 430 objection letters sent to Wandsworth council; and successfully campaigned to have the store granted Asset of Community Value status.

Make sure your community values you as much as Sunny’s does, so should the future of the business ever be under threat, they give you their full support

They also set up a Crowdfunding page to support Sunny’s fight against the decision at the high court – raising nearly £6,000 to date.

Sunny is a determined man, not willing to roll over and let outdated legislation rob him of his livelihood and take away a valuable and thriving part of the community.

But it’s the backing of his customers that has really got his case noticed, highlighting how vitally important it is to be the lynchpin in your store’s local area.

You have to make sure your community values you as much as Sunny’s does, so should the future of the business ever be under threat, they give you their full support.

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