OWNERS of shops in a parade in Winchester city centre claim they have been forced to put their businesses up for sale because of high rents.

Winchester News and St George’s Fish Bar have both criticised the city council, saying their rents and rates are too high.

A third St George’s Street business, The New Bibas Hair Studio, was on the market for £40,000, but has since been taken off.

It comes just weeks after the city lost its last butcher’s premises, Charles Baynham, two charity shops, and Alcatraz Brasserie, which closed after 10 years.

Tom Romita, owner of Winchester News, an Italian café-cum-delicatessen- cum paper shop, said: “The rents from the council has had a big impact, they have never given small businesses enough support.”

Mr Romita said his rent had soared more than 50 per cent and that business rates were set to go up 39 per cent in April.

He added: “I have given 22 years’ service to the community, this is a community shop. It’s not a chain, it’s a one-off Tom shop.”

He added: “I’m totally serious —it’s time to go.”

Raymond Gee, owner of St George’s Fish Bar, said a similar rent hike to £36,000pa and a heart attack last June had made up his mind to sell.

The 58-year-old said: “If they gave me a reasonable rent reduction I would possibly stay because it would not be as stressful, I would not be panicking about not being able to pay the rent each month.”

He added: “It’s not a question of greed, I’m on working tax credits, that shows you how much I’m making.”

But council leader Cllr George Beckett said the authority had a responsibility to maximise income from its commercial properties.

He said: “I don’t know the full circumstances of these tenants, but the city council as landlord always has to balance the interests of individual businesses with the interests of the public of Winchester.

“Each business closure is a loss, but there’s a chance for someone else to come in.

“There’s a turnover at the moment and that will always be the case.”

Amy McCartan, of Winchester’s Business Improvement District (BID), said: “It is a real shame that a number of valued independent businesses have taken the decision to sell up.

“There is no doubt that more can be done to enhance the look and feel of this area, particularly around the Casson Block.”

John Harrocks, chief executive of North Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are fortunate in Winchester in having a city council that is supportive of business — it has made a particular effort to help small businesses during the downturn.

“Rises in rents and rates are problematical for most businesses, with business rates fixed nationally, and are understandably emotive subjects.”

More than 1,300 people have signed an online petition to save Mr Romita’s business.

It reads: “Unfortunately the city council is forcing through massive rent increases on many of the commercial properties it owns — such as those in St George’s Street — as if there was no credit crunch and the economy was still booming.

“The result will be the loss of the small distinctive businesses, such as Winchester News, that make a huge contribution to Winchester’s character and atmosphere.”

Meanwhile, there are new owners opposite the St George’s Street parade of shops.

Forte Tea Rooms has been bought by an anonymous bidder for around £140,000.

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