A FAMILY business the owner has worked for since he was 14 and a cafe given an eight year lease in September could be demolished under council proposals.

At the end of 2017 Epping Forest District Council announced plans to knock down and redevelop four shops and apartments in Lower Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill.

The news came as a shock to Justin Wade, who inherited Online Bikes from his father 26 years ago.

The 45 year-old, who has been working in the shop since leaving school at 14, said: "We are a bit of a landmark shop in Buckhurst Hill.

"It was handed over to me when I was 19.

"The industry has changed massively since then, it's a lot less BMXs and more electric bikes now. But business is okay.

"We are surviving because we are so well established here."

As more people turn to the internet to buy bicycles, a lot of bike shops have been forced to close.

Because he pays a reduced council rent and has built up a large and loyal customer base, Mr Wade has managed to keep Online Bikes going.

He added: "We have people come whose dads bought them a bike when they were a kid.

"We have built up our customer base over a long period of time and that's what carries the business through.

"It is not even like the council want to build 70 flats. It's just a handful. They are spreading a little bit of destruction to each place."

Although she is much newer addition to the parade, cafe owner Eylem Goutepe is perhaps angrier at the council's plans.

The retired police officer took over the business in September last year.

She said: "We spent £60,000 buying the business on an eight year lease. No one said anything about it being demolished. I found out about it through the newspaper.

"Why would they do that? It is ridiculous and upsetting.

"Because we are on council rent our food can be a bit cheaper. If you are a family of four you can eat for for £25.

"I have no back up plan. I have lived here for 15 years and this place is like a community."

A council spokesperson explained Lower Queen's Road was included in the Local Plan following a 'comprehensive assessment of suitable sites for allocation.'

They said: "The District is 94 per cent green belt and the council has adopted an approach of prioritising previously developed brown field sites in sustainable locations.

"The site in Buckhurst Hill is in close proximity to the Underground Station. The intention is to potentially redevelop the site to provide additional accommodation but also to retain the business retail uses, but utilising the potential of the site more efficiently.

"All residents and existing businesses will be consulted if the scheme was to proceed”.