Belsize florist forced to shut

A MUCH-LOVED Belsize Park flower shop is being forced to close after being stung by a 66 per cent rent increase in the middle of the recession. The owner of Aurora Flowers on England s Lane is devastated she is having to shut her beloved shop but cannot c

A MUCH-LOVED Belsize Park flower shop is being forced to close after being stung by a 66 per cent rent increase in the middle of the recession.

The owner of Aurora Flowers on England's Lane is devastated she is having to shut her beloved shop but cannot contend with the increase in rent and decrease in sales.

Henrietta Reichhardht said: "I cannot stay in the shop any longer. I never in my wildest imagination thought rent would be increased 66 per cent.

"It has been so tough and I am going to have to leave which is a real shame because I love that shop and I have had six really good years there.

"I am still in the process of deciding whether to move and start again somewhere else or not, but I know the fact is that I have to leave.

"The landlord says it is market rate and I know I have been lucky with the rent for the last five years but I cannot understand such a large increase at one time.

"Because of the credit crunch problems my sales have gone down so the rent increase is even more difficult - it is impossible for me. I am worried about my staff and it is sad for the shop and the street."

The landlord was unavailable for comment.