Clinic plan puts bagel shop at risk

A POPULAR bagel shop is at risk of closure because of a plan to create a private medical centre to tackle obesity.

Planning permission has been submitted to turn part of the building occupied by Shalom Hot Bagels, in Gants Hill, Ilford, into a facility housing a private doctor, dentist and travel clinic.

Architectural firm Client Design Services Limited (CDSL) said the clinic would “aim to provide weight loss and diabetes services”, pointing out that the site was perfect for a surgery as it has easy access for disabled patients.

CDSL said the area — comprising Redbridge and Gants Hill — was in dire need of such a facility.

“A new private medical clinic will certainly help to improve patient access to medical services, especially those that are difficult to access via the NHS. It will deliver flexible and adaptable community healthcare facilities to meet the community’s needs.” According to the application, the clinic will employ staff who speak a range of languages in order to help patients who do not speak English.

The bakery, which has served the local Jewish community for 32 years, said it would fight the application.

A spokesperson said: “This is a complete surprise to us. We don’t intend to let it happen. We have a long lease with the landlord and if the planning application gets approved we will fight it.”

The move has been met with mixed reactions from locals. Wes Streeting, MP for Ilford North tweeted that the possible closure of the shop would “come as a blow”.

It planning permission is approved, we will fight it’