As a former Chiswick resident, now living in Bedfont, I am increasingly saddened to see so many niche businesses and restaurants closing, particularly on Chiswick High Road. The once bustling High Road appears to be facing the fate of so many major thoroughfares in converting to fast food outlets, coffee shops and estate agents. This appears to be due to a combination of the recession and a change in shift in spending patterns - the 'posh dining at home' option without any fear of drink driving, compounded by the increasing difficulty of finding a place to park to shop, further exacerbated by the increasing aggression of parking wardens. When I visit my favourite High Road butchers, it is so sad to see the many 'To Let' signs outside so many once thriving businesses in the very heart of Chiswick. |