Popular local coffee trader, Frank Wang, has been allowed to continue trading from his cart outside Bethnal Green Tube Station following a determined public campaign. The decision was confirmed by the Mayor of London in response to a written question from local London Assembly Member, Unmesh Desai AM, who welcomed it as a “testament to the spirit of the East End community”.
The future of Mr Wang’s business was placed in doubt after his power supply was cut. Mr Wang’s power supply had been installed by his landlord, Transport for London (TfL), but located within Tower Hamlets Council’s land. After the Council-owned property, within which Mr Wang’s power supply was located, was let to a new tenant, the electricity to Mr Wang’s stand was subsequently disconnected.
In recent months, the Bethnal Green community and local councillors, as well as Mayor John Biggs, rallied together to launch a sustained campaign to pressure TfL to restore Mr Wang’s power supply and protect the trader from the threat of closure. Residents organised a street protest and a petition which Mr Desai later presented to the Deputy Mayor for Transport, Heidi Alexander.
After asking the Mayor of London about what was being done to find a solution to the issue, Mr Desai gained reassurances that TfL had resolved the issue and were putting the arrangements in place to ensure that Mr Wang can continue trading next to Bethnal Green Tube station.
Local London Assembly Member, Unmesh Desai AM, said:
“It’s fantastic to hear that Frank, who has been an asset to the community for many years, is able to continue trading on his patch outside the station.
“The local community was rightly outraged at suggestions that Frank may be relocated elsewhere, and I know that this has caused him a great deal of stress and uncertainty.
“I am therefore delighted that the Mayor has confirmed that TfL will be working with Frank to make sure he is able to remain where he is, helping to preserve one of Bethnal Green’s local institutions.
“This is a true testament to the spirit of the East End community, coming as a result of the sustained efforts of local people and elected representatives.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The local community has undertaken a sustained campaign in recent months to see Frank Wang’s Coffee Stall saved;
- The Mayor of London’s response to Unmesh Desai’s question surrounding the future of Frank Wang’s Coffee Stall can be found here;
- A Change.org petition addressed to Tower Hamlets Council to save the coffee stall was started by local resident, Sam Odd, and has so far gained over 4,000 signatures;
- Further information about the campaign can be provided upon request;
- Unmesh Desai AM is the local London Assembly Member for City and East, (covering Barking and Dagenham, Newham, Tower Hamlets and the City of London).
For more information please contact Research and Support Officer, Nick Wilson, on 020 7983 4401. Number not for publication.