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- Guardians of the Arches is a national collective of small business owners based in railway arches.
- Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and we are committed to seeking justice and fairness for all.
- Network Rail is the largest landlord to small business in the country. Its 7500 railway properties are home to a huge variety of trades - furniture restorers, metal-shop workers, café owners, hairdressers, tyre sellers, brewers, distillers, community spaces, galleries, specialist food stores, artists, gyms, motorbike repair shops and everything in between.
- In 2017 Network Rail unveiled plans to sell off its railway arches in one job lot, leaving thousands of small businesses facing an uncertain future. That sale is due to be completed by the end of 2018.
- We formed Guardians of the Arches to represent the interests of those small businesses. Many have already been put under huge pressure through rent increase demands of as much as 350%. Others want assurances that their businesses won't be threatened in the future. What unites us is a determination to make our voices heard.
- We set out with a simple goal: halt the sale to ensure that our interests are taken into account. Since forming in April 2018, we have gone from strength to strength - with thousands of supporters backing us, radio, tv and almost weekly coverage in the national press with government ministers from across the country supporting our cause.
- But to make sure we secure the future of the arches, we need your help!
How can I help?
Railway Property Tenant? |
Not a tenant? |
Our letter to Chris Grayling MP |
Our letter to Jo Johnson |