'I Love Tottenham' Tales: The Eye Pod

A banner from the 'I Love Tottenham' Campaign'

Everyone in the North London neighborhood of Tottenham agrees life has not returned to normal. But the riots that erupted in the area this August impacted businesses differently.

This week and next we’ll look at interviews with five area entrepreneurs from the past week, as they battle to recover from changes and damage to the borough.

Part I: The Eye Pod

In some ways the Eye Pod was lucky. John Se, who co-owns the Tottenham eye-ware store, says the business sustained only minor damage to a sign and shutters when looters took over the High Street on 6 Aug.

But he and his business partner are still worried about the future. Along with street traffic, sales fell after the riot and haven’t recovered. If they don’t improve, the shop will close.

“Of course we’re worried,” Se said. “It’s not really showing signs of going back to normal.”

I <3 Tottenham

Earlier this month, the Haringey Council launched an ‘I Love Tottenham’ campaign to boost the area’s recovery and encourage patronage at local stores.

A series of banners now line the High Roads, but some traders say they’ve seen little else in the shape of assistance.

“The Haringey Council isn’t helping a lot,” Se said. “There’s a lack of awareness. After the riot it took months to appoint bodies to help people.”

Council officials say they are doing what they can. In late September Anne Lippitt was appointed to head the area’s recovery effort, and initial damages-and-recovery payments have been made to dozens of businesses from various government funds.

Business Rates and Riot Tourists

Se says he received £3,200, but with letters demanding he pay Council business rates and little in the way of trade, he doesn’t see that money lasting.(The Council is considering waiving business rates for a longer period beyond the five days of lost trading immediately after the riot, but has yet to reach a decision).

Insurance delays also pose problems, and for now Se waits at his desk and watches the few people who do walk by the shop.

“We get riot tourists coming and taking pictures,” he said, “but they don’t spend any money.”