Owners of Herne Hill-based restaurant, which is facing closure due to five massive telecom boxes that were installed right outside, are hosting a fundraising event next week as a plea for authorities to take action.
Ten years ago, five telecom boxes were erected on the street directly outside Guyanese restaurant, Umana Yana, on Croxted Road in Herne Hill. Restaurant owner, Debbie Monfries said the boxes, which were installed by media giants Virgin Media, O2 and Vodafone, completely obstruct the view of the restaurant from the street.
So despite being dubbed as ‘South London’s best roti place’, since 2012, their business has been “massively affected.”
‘These monstrous telecom boxes are ruining my business’ says Herne Hill restaurateur
“We get lots of regulars but these boxes mean we are not seen very well by new people walking by who don’t know we’re there,” Debbie explained.
“It’s been horrible – it’s massively affected my business.”
Exclusive: Hope for parents as Bermondsey free soft play group can stay open ‘for now’
Recently, the campaign to get them removed was revived by local customers wanting to help. As well as relaunching an online petition and starting to raise money – in October, the group behind the ‘Save Umana Yana’ campaign staged a 10th birthday party to mark ten years of disrupted business.
A few weeks ago, Umana Yana owners – Debbie and Junior – had a meeting to question councillors on getting the issue resolved, to which Labour councillors, Cllr Margy Newens and Cllr Richard Leeming attended.
Cllr Richard Leeming said: “Councillor Newens and I understand that the telecom infrastructure greatly obstruct the view of Umana Yana, and we are asking the council’s digital team to liaise with the telecom companies to see if the boxes can be moved.”
“It’s soul-destroying”: Train strikes spell disaster for Borough restaurant
Despite their consistent efforts, no action has been taken to remove the boxes.
Now they are hosting another fundraiser, to continue to raise awareness to this issue – as owners are becoming “desperate.”
On Monday (December 19) people are invited to join Umana Yana owners at Jumbi, in Peckham for a night of Guyanese food and music from local DJs. Guests are asked to provide a small donation for entry which will go towards supporting the restaurant in their fight.
“The event is not only to raise awareness, but to ease the financial struggles that we’ve had since the boxes were erected,” Debbie said.
“I’ve sent invitations to all councillors – to show them what I’m having to do to stay afloat.
“I can’t afford to wait on having no footfall because of these boxes – we are desperate,” she added.
Mathew Mawema has been a regular customer of Debbie’s for years. He said: “I think it’s a disgraceful act of sabotage on an independent local business that is an integral part of the community.
“It’s an example of a big corporation having no respect for anyone, and at the same time, the local councils allowing this to happen. To be honest, I’m not sure which is worse.”
“I see the positive impact they have on the local community, as well as how difficult the boxes have made running their business. We need to make a big noise about this… remove the boxes!”
He will be one of the DJs doing a set on Monday, along with others including Umana Yana owner, Junior.
The event starts at 7pm at Jumbi, Unit 4.1, Copeland Park, 133 Copeland Rd, Peckham, SE15 3SN on Monday December 19. Entry is on a donation basis.