London's West End Businesses Lost $15.7Mln Over 2 Days Of Climate Rallies - Retail Group

Faizan Hashmi Published April 17, 2019 | 04:45 PM

Retailers of London's West End have lost some 12 million pounds ($15.7 million) due to disruptions inflicted by the ongoing climate "rebellion" rallies blocking the city's busiest spots and highways, the chief executive of New West End Company, representing some 600 local businesses, said on Wednesday

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 17th April, 2019) Retailers of London's West End have lost some 12 million pounds ($15.7 million) due to disruptions inflicted by the ongoing climate "rebellion" rallies blocking the city's busiest spots and highways, the chief executive of New West End Company, representing some 600 local businesses, said on Wednesday.

"That is 12 million [pounds] over the last couple of days," Jace Tyrrell said in an interview with the BBC broadcaster, commenting on the business losses.

He added that some 150,000 staff workers were also "struggling" to get to work over traffic disruptions.

"Already some of our stores have reported [they are] 25 percent down in sales. Obviously retail is going through quite a difficult period at the moment so it's hugely disruptive," Tyrrell added in the interview, posted on the company's website.

The chief executive also called on the mayor of London and the Metropolitan police to "really get control and stop this disruption in the West End."

Since Monday, London has been gripped by climate change rallies organized by environmental organization Extinction Rebellion. The protesters plan to continue their action round the clock for the next two weeks, demanding that the government address what they describe as an "ecological emergency."

Nearly 300 activists have already been arrested over blocking traffic on London's key highways during rush hours and property damage, including the one done to the Royal Dutch Shell's headquarters building.