After 10 years, Herne Hill restaurant owner still yearns to be free of pavement-clogging eyesores

A restaurant owner is pleading for the removal of unsightly telecoms boxes which surround her shop as her battle to be free of them enters a second decade. 

She claims they have blighted her business for 10 years and wants the companies involved – O2 and Vodafone – to find a new home for them. 

Southwark council said the Government allowed telecoms companies to install the boxes without council permission.

The Umana Yana was once a thriving Guyanese restaurant in Croxted Road, but Deborah Monfries said that almost overnight, after the boxes were installed, a 60 percent drop-off in trade followed. 

Many of her customers were from cars passing that would see the restaurant and stop for food. Now the view of the premises is blocked. 

Deborah has received a groundswell of backing from local residents and the Herne Hill Society, while a crowdfund last November raised £5,000 to seek legal help in fighting the case. 

Unfortunately, they have not been able to find any issues with the five eyesores hogging the pavement in front of the restaurant because there is nothing technically illegal about them. 

Supporters recently held a gathering to express solidarity on the 10th anniversary of the telecoms boxes going up – although everyone was determined to make it a festive occasion, rather than a sad one. 

Deborah said: “I was so happy to see so many of our customers and neighbours show up to support us in our long struggle.

“It is sad we have to do this kind of stuff to protest, and it is sad that 10 years have passed with no one with power taking responsibility for what they have done.”

The Herne Hill Society said: “The telecommunications equipment on the pavement outside Umana Yana has caused considerable upset to the owner.

“Debbie has invested so much hard work and significant sums of money in her business, and this development should never have taken place.” 

But the company Cornerstone, which installed one of the boxes for O2, said: “We have been in contact with the owner of the restaurant and understand her concerns.

“We have assessed the possibility of moving the cabinets to under the railway bridge. Unfortunately, this was not possible due to existing structures in this location.” 

Southwark councillor James McAsh said: “We firmly support the Umana Yana campaign and want to see the telecom boxes moved. We do not have the legal powers to have prevented their installation or to ensure their removal now.

“Clearly a resolution needs to be agreed between all parties to fix this problem. We are looking into arranging a mediator to help to move things forward.”

Vodafone has been approached for a comment.

Pictured top: Deborah Monfries, owner of the Umana Yana (Picture: Deborah Monfries)