Businesses around Brentwood station have voiced concerns that rents may be significantly increased after the station has its planned £1.4m refurbishment. The Essex Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has written to local MP Eric Pickles and Leader of Brentwood Council, Louise McKinlay looking for assurances that rents will not increase in the same way as Billericay and Marks Tey - stations also due for refurbishment as part of the National Stations Improvement Plan.
Speaking to the Brentwood Weekly News, David Miles, Chairman of South West Essex branch of FSB, said “The £1.4million refurbishment is long overdue and should improve the station facilities, but our experience elsewhere in the county is National Express East Anglia uses such schemes to significantly increase the rent and rates paid by businesses in the station.
“At Billericay station a £1.7million refurbishment saw Bread and Buffers face higher costs and at Marks Tey station, the kiosk owner who has been there for more than ten years, faces such an increase in his rent that his business would be unviable.”
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