George's—from the man himself

WITH regards to Chris Smith 'A dangerous precedent', I am reliably informed that the local Environmental Health Office has inspected George's to its satisfaction. Given the rigorous rules regarding food hygiene I think it can be accepted that the food stuffs are kept within the parameters of the law, writes Graham Phillips.

Secondly, and as I have pointed out before, the structures have been moved, and CaRT had threatened to revoke its agreement with Mr George, who points out the following:

Danny's declaration

'I was told I had to have a gate to provide an alternative way of getting to my shop (before we signed contracts) I did this, then the neighbouring farmer removed it whilst I was in hospital. British Waterways said they would sort it. Two years later nothing happened. My insurance has gone up a lot due to this and disabled people can't get to my shop.

British Waterways told me I was on the 'wrong contract', then eventually said they would sort a new one. Nothing happened. My contract is up in June so before I spend any more money on the site I think it also reasonable that I want the new contract renewed and with my rent agreed. I've read that Wendy Kappel wants to resolve this yet I've had no contact from her.

I'm hoping to have a real conversation with CaRT where it actually recognises what I try my best to offer all my customers and the canal community at large. I still firmly believe me and my children don't own this shop or the allotments which is run by the villagers. Many farmers work hard locally to produce the vegetables we sell as I now require so much.

They get a fair price rather than being ripped off. I sell many things other than meat and veg these days and some if these things don't offer any financial rewards. I sell them as they can be hard to find on the cut. For example deionised water. I stock it because when you need it you need it now.

I supplied the volunteers with radios so that we could contact each other if there were any problems on the flight or if a single handed boater needed help or an emergency occurred. There are many other things I do to help the community for the simple reason I want to. I'm not saying this for praise I just want CaRT to recognise it's more than a shop.

It's a small facility in many different forms. Every day is like having different family members visit. I've laughed and cried with many of you. And in this last nine months I wouldn't have been able to continue and be strong for my children without your support as you proped me up and kept me going. You told it would get better and slowly it is.

I want a resolution to this soon so me and my children can get on with our lives. My daughter calls my shop 'Daddy's Wendy House', and she would also like to thank all those who have signed the petition for helping us. As  that's really lovely and nice of them, can we give them a big squeeze?'