Blackhorse Beer Mile in decline thanks to the Council

Blackhorse Beer Mile’s 3rd birthday was overshadowed by the loss of three breweries in just a year. The most recent, Hackney Brewery, was a viable, rent-paying business – but was forced out after the council took a hard line over legacy COVID debt. These breweries weren’t just businesses; they were lively, family-friendly community hubs now sorely missed by locals.

Lockwood Way is increasingly deserted. The scooter shop has gone, the former Wild Card unit is now occupied by squatters, and the council is losing rent on empty properties — money that could support local services. It’s starting to feel like small businesses are being pushed out on purpose. Meanwhile, a contractor repairing a roof there has excessively cut down trees on the path to the Wetlands, damaging one of the area’s few green escapes.

In Higham Hill Park, the café has sat empty. Businesses report applying to take it on — but hearing nothing back from the council. This has left the park with no café, no toilets and a poorly maintained playground. Whilst Lloyd Park has benefitted from recent upgrades, Higham Hill has been neglected.

Liberal Democrat campaigner Kath Pollard said: “The council must stop driving out small businesses and act now to get the brewery spaces and park café back in use.”