Man still homeless following Park Road crash last month
Mr Dweeb Ltd's PC repair shop on Park Road where a car smashed into the front window. Photo: Nigel Sutton - Credit: Nigel Sutton
A car smashed into a shop in Crouch End more than three weeks ago, but one man is still homeless and several employees have lost their office space.
Pc repair shop Mr Dweeb at 12 Park Road remains boarded up.
Jean-Christophe Lanoe, who lives above it, has been forced to move into a hotel indefinitely.
Neighbouring Streathers Solicitors is now operating from its sister branch in Hampstead.
Crystal Life mortgage brokers also have been unable to return.
The wall between the two properties is still damaged and there is no gas and electricity.
Haringey Council owns the property and is responsible for the wall between the two businesses.
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Mr Dweeb’s owner, who gave his name simply as Jamal, is calling on Haringey to set a date to repair the council-owned building.
“Their attitude absolutely stinks and I’ve just had enough,” he said, asking for his last name not to be used.
‘‘No one is doing anything. It’s a very laid-back approach.
“This is my livelihood. I spent five years building this business before it came crashing down.”
Jamal’s employee, Renaz Ameen, is still taking tablets for depression after diving over her desk to safety when the car came hurtling towards her as she manned the shop on January 25.
“I can’t even think of working,” she said. “I don’t feel safe.”
Publisher Mr Lanoe owns the leasehold above Mr Dweeb but is now being forced to live in a hotel.
His private home insurance covers the hotel bills, but there are extra expenses from eating out and for dry cleaning.
Meanwhile mortgage advisor Andrew Solomonides, who works in Crystal Life at number 14, is trying to carry on by meeting with clients in cafés, but wants to work from his shop again.
“I don’t know who’s to blame - I just want to get back to normal,” he said.
Catherine West, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, has urged the council and the police to take action.
“I’ve been contacting the police and council to try to push them into action because every day which is lost for small businesses is tragic.”
Police admitted a “pursuit” took place before the crash but they are not currently offering any compensation.
Meanwhile those affected have no timeline for repairs.
A Haringey Council spokeswoman said: “We are awaiting the results of a structural survey from our insurance company, which will allow us to carry out the repairs needed at this site.
“We are in regular contact with the affected tenants, business owner and leaseholder and we are keeping them updated on progress.”
