KFC is set to return to an empty West London site despite local residents urging the landlord not to let it to another fast-food operator.
The site at 171 Uxbridge Road in Shepherd's Bush had been run by a KFC franchisee for several decades before it closed its doors earlier this year.
Locals had asked the landlord to consider an alternative occupant to avoid a repeat of issues they believe was due to the previous fast-food establishment. However, KFC has confirmed it is due to reopen a restaurant on the same site.
A KFC spokesperson acknowledged the concerns raised by residents about the impact on nearby streets and pledged to conduct regular litter picks.
Johann Perry, speaking on behalf of affected residents, said people are “devastated” that the KFC will be reopening, claiming the landlord ignored “repeated requests” to engage.
The LDRS approached two businesses run by the landlord but received no response.
Residents said issues had arisen in the last 20 years or so and primarily revolved around rubbish being strewn down their streets, with the KFC reportedly attracting crowds who would park up and leave their litter behind.
Since the site had been vacated residents said the area had improved, with rubbish in particular reducing sharply.
Mr Perry, speaking on behalf of local residents, said: “We’re devastated the KFC will be reopening. The landlord ignored repeated requests to engage with residents, local headteachers and Fix Uxbridge Road group but chose not to.
“The closure proved beyond doubt that this one premises was the root cause of years of problems on our street and local area. Since KFC closed, crime dropped, traffic reduced, parking issues stopped and the street was clean.
“There is something fundamentally wrong with the system when one premises can have such a detrimental impact on a residential area and the taxpayer then pays for the clean up through law enforcement, street cleaning and council services.
“We are calling on the council to ensure any new or varied premises licence is rigorously scrutinised and strongly contested. Licensing conditions around bins, opening hours and security must be enforced.
“Boscombe Road is a wonderful, close-knit community and we are determined to protect that. A business that profits while the people around it pay the price — in safety, in cleanliness, in quality of life — has failed in its most basic corporate responsibility. That is not a business this community should be forced to accommodate.”
Cllr Zarar Qayyum, Hammersmith and Fulham Labour’s business lead, said improving Uxbridge Road is a “key priority” for the group.
“Our recent election manifesto sets out a host of ways that we are working with residents and businesses to make the road as attractive as possible,” he said.
“Recent weeks have seen a new, improved waste collection scheme come in, new CCTV cameras to keep residents safe and disused phone boxes removed. We are also paying to clean awnings and planning to fund shopfront improvements.
“Last weekend also saw the exciting opening of a new café, First Light Coffee Shop, which is very welcome. It joins a number of new businesses that are diversifying the offer to local residents.”
Cllr Qayyum, who is also the council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise and Skills, added what the Labour group are determined to avoid is businesses resulting in increased litter, unhealthy food near schools and anti-social behaviour.
“On Uxbridge Road and across the borough, we stand ready to work with residents, businesses and the police to crack down on these behaviours and make sure our high streets improve rather than degrade the quality of life of those who live on and near them.”
A KFC spokesperson said: “We’re looking forward to opening a new KFC restaurant at 171 Uxbridge Road, becoming part of the community again and working with local residents when the restaurant opens.
“Being a good neighbour is important to us, and we understand residents have previously raised concerns about litter.
“No one likes to see litter in their community, and we’re no different. We’re committed to helping keep Shepherd’s Bush clean and welcoming. That’s why, like all KFC restaurants, the team at Uxbridge Road will carry out regular litter picks in the local area.
“This is in addition to our ongoing efforts to tackle litter, which include investing in more and larger bins outside our restaurants, introducing anti-littering signage and customer reminders, and supporting local litter-picking groups through our partnership with Keep Britain Tidy.”
