Fried chicken giant KFC is set to reopen a restaurant in West London, ignoring pleas from local residents who had urged the landlord not to let the vacant unit to another fast-food operator. The premises at 171 Uxbridge Road, on the corner with Boscombe Road, was previously operated by a KFC franchisee for decades before closing earlier this year.
Residents' Concerns
Locals had publicly campaigned for a different occupant, citing issues they believe were caused by the previous KFC, including litter, traffic, and anti-social behavior. Despite their efforts, KFC confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that it will open a new restaurant on the same site.
Johann Perry, speaking on behalf of residents, expressed devastation at the news. He said the landlord ignored repeated requests to engage with the community. Land Registry records show the site is owned by Raja Adil, who runs Adilsons Properties and The Adil Group. The LDRS approached both companies but received no response.
Community Impact
Residents reported that since the KFC closed, the area improved significantly, with reduced crime, traffic, parking issues, and litter. One anonymous resident noted that the site had become more of a drive-in, leading to customers parking and discarding rubbish despite bins provided by KFC.
Mr. Perry criticized the system, stating that a single premises can have a detrimental impact on a residential area while taxpayers bear the cleanup costs. He called on the council to rigorously scrutinize any new or varied premises license and enforce conditions on bins, opening hours, and security.
KFC's Response
A KFC spokesperson said the company is looking forward to reopening and becoming part of the community again. They acknowledged previous litter concerns and committed to regular litter picks, along with investing in more bins, anti-littering signage, and supporting local groups through a partnership with Keep Britain Tidy.
Council's Position
Cllr Zarar Qayyum, Hammersmith and Fulham Labour's business lead, stated that improving Uxbridge Road is a key priority. Recent efforts include a new waste collection scheme, CCTV cameras, removal of disused phone boxes, and funding for shopfront improvements. He emphasized the council's determination to avoid businesses that increase litter, unhealthy food near schools, or anti-social behavior.
The council stands ready to work with residents, businesses, and police to crack down on such behaviors and ensure high streets improve rather than degrade quality of life.
