"Eastern and Continental Store", generally just known as "the Continental" was a very down-to-earth local, independent grocery shop. Today I was shocked to find the shutters closed and a sign on the door:

"TAKE NOTICE...

These premises have been entered into and taken possession of by the landlord yadda yadda yadda [I didn't write it down word for word].

...any enquiries can be directed to Gulzar and Co 07557 223944"

It was dated yesterday (20th July) but even today there were still two security guys sitting in a car next to the place. I asked them what had happened and they said the shop had been behind paying rent.

Even from outside, through the shutters I could still smell the wonderful mixed aromas of veg; that community grocery smell....

So, another sad step in the gentrification of Cowley Road! One can only speculate as to whether the opening of yet another supermarket in the area (Sainsbury's) a few months before had any part in this.

If you're as pissed off as I am about this, I suggest you ring "Gulzar and Co" on the above number and tell them what you think of their decision to evict. It's not clear whether they are the bailiff company or the landlords (I would guess the latter) but either way they deserve to know what the impact of this will be on the local community.

[Disclaimer: Obviously you should remain polite at all times. Always stay within the law. In fact please just sit in, watch tv and go on endless shopping sprees filling your house and lives with endless consumer crap... you will then feel content. Honest.]