A Clapham junk shop owner is still standing one year after an eviction notice from Lambeth council.

Peter Chrysostomou, 66, or ‘Pete the Greek’ as he is known, was served the notice by the council ordering the clearance of the shop on Prescott Place by 23rd November 2015, but order has yet to be enforced.

Originally from Cyprus, Peter came to Clapham in 1969 and has run his own shop in the area since the 80’s, originally on the high street before moving to the location in the notice.

The words ‘Closing Down Sale’ scrawled over the white painted brick walls seem indefinite however, as Peter and his son, who helps him run the shop are determined to stay.

“I have been in Clapham 50 years, they serve this notice, but I am still here, I’m not leaving”

The first six months were ‘turbulent’ he says, with regular visits from police and council enforcers, but now it seems they have left him alone for the time being.

“I have all sorts of men in uniforms, the suits, come around tell me I have to clear my stuff, but I tell them I am staying, so they go”.

Peter says he could not adjust to the change in rates of his building.

Property prices in the Clapham area have increased by 23% in the last 3 years. As well as this the cutting of the business rate relief scheme in the area is making it incredibly difficult for smaller businesses to grow.

A passing browser of the shop, who didn’t want to be named, said

“Clapham’s high street has changed so much since I have lived here, and that’s only 8 years, nothing like him. This is in area which sadly doesn’t have the individuality of other parts of London any more”.

Although Peter is keeping his head down, the days are numbered not just for his business, but many like it in Clapham.

Lambeth Borough council were not available for comment.