Vape and Mobile’s owner defends his business amid complaints from locals about delivery practices and pavement obstructions
South Croydon: The owner of Vape and Mobile, Mr. Patel, is standing his ground against complaints from locals. He believes his shop is a vital part of the community.
Mr. Patel argues that he’s filled empty storefronts and created jobs. But some residents feel his deliveries are causing problems on the pavement.
People have pointed out that the constant delivery packages block the way, especially for elderly folks. It’s tough for them to navigate around the shop.
During a recent chat, Mr. Patel expressed his frustration. He said, “We’re running a business and bringing in more revenue than many shops here.” He feels the complaints are unfair.
He explained that he doesn’t have enough space inside to store all the deliveries. So, he has to keep them outside, which he sees as a necessity.
Despite taking over two vacant shops, he insists he still needs to use the pavement for deliveries. He mentioned that people only started complaining when his deliveries increased.
Mr. Patel also pointed out that he’s been in the area for 20 years and feels some resentment from locals. He said, “They just don’t like us, and I don’t know why.”
Residents have voiced their concerns on social media, with one saying it’s driving them “crazy.” The street is busy, and the pallets make it feel even narrower.
One elderly resident, Mary, commented, “It just looks ugly, doesn’t it?” Many share her sentiment about the clutter outside the shop.
Some locals are also worried about the potential damage to the pavement and the overall appearance of the area. They feel the shop’s practices are not helping the high street.
Despite raising their concerns, residents say they haven’t seen any action taken. A local councillor confirmed that investigations are ongoing but didn’t provide further details.
Mr. Patel remains adamant that he’s running his business properly. He’s even faced an increase in theft from his stock outside, showing videos of people stealing vape products.
He’s hoping for a resolution that works for everyone, but for now, he’s focused on keeping his business afloat.
