Traders say they fear for future of their area

FRUSTRATED traders say an influx of 24/7 off-licences, mountains of rubbish and fly-tipping and shoplifting are driving customers away from Bearwood in their droves.

- BY CHRISTIAN BARNETT News Reporter

Businesses in Bearwood, on the border of Smethwick and Birmingham, say the problems have got so bad they are considering leaving for good.

Abuzaffar Sonde, owner of Islamic store Ar-Raqib, in Bearwood Road, is debating whether to remain open, saying a rise in crime and the "wrong crowds" were driving Bearwood in the wrong direction.

He says late-night shops and takeaways, combined with rising crime and antisocial behaviour - particularly shoplifting, pickpocketing, begging and drug-taking are giving Bearwood a reputation as unsafe and dangerous, which is having a significant impact on footfall.

"Too many of one particular type of shop makes no sense to me," he said. "I've counted them myself and there are 15 shops all the same and all 24/7.

"There's no need for that. And we've got five bookies and there's going to be another 24/7 casino.