Opposition rises to one bakery, while neighbours fight to save another

27 April 2007

Katie Davies

DON'T let them eat cake is the shout from a group of Golders Green residents who have started a bun fight over another bakery opening in their street.

War had broken out over plans for the new shop at the former Dambusters video store on Golders Green Road.

Residents have written to Barnet Council saying they would rather see the shop empty than offering up treats because there are just too many bakeries on the road.

A letter of opposition from residents to the application states: "Golders Green will not survive as a town centre if it comprises solely of coffee shops, restaurants and bakeries."

And they say early morning deliveries and litter from the shop will really take the biscuit.

Cllr Kath McGuirk said: "The exclusive shops in Golders Green have been taken over with a build up of eating and drinking places.

"The council needs to encourage other types of business in. Clearly there is a market for cakes here but you don't want to kill the goose that laid the golden egg. There are problems in Golders Green with refuse, waste and vermin so we need to make sure it is kept clean."

Sugary snacks and pastries are on sale at numerous shops on the road, which has seen other premises left deserted because they can't cope with the competition.

Barbara Coltman, a resident of North End Road, said: "It is better than McDonald's but not much - they still make people eat. It would be nice to get another kind of business there."

James MacDonald from Golders Green Road said: "The owners have already started excavating the basement - it seems the council has lost control over the shops in the area. All the retail is dying out and being replaced by eateries."

Council officers have recommended the plans, which will be heard at a meeting tonight, for approval.

Meanwhile in Finchley Road, residents are desperate to have their cake and eat it.

More than 100 customers have signed a petition to keep Grodzinski's bakery in Swiss Cottage.

A new owner has bought the freehold and hungry customers are pleading for it to stay as it is.

Greg Williams from Belsize Park started the petition entitled "Give us our daily bread".

He said: "It has only been a few days and 120 have signed it. The shop has been there for so long and I have been using it myself for 25 years."

To save the cakes of Finchley Road sign the petition at the bakery.

katie.davies@hamhigh.co.uk