AssetID: 55744764
Headline: Business owner blasts MP's 'dodgy shops' video as she's forced to close
Caption: WORDS BYLINE: Alex Keir A seafood business says a social media video about “dodgy shops” posted by a Kent MP contributed to its decision to close its high street premises. Boathouse Fisheries opened its fishmongers and seafood bistro in Hythe in February last year after taking over the former CR Childs estate agents unit. But after about 16 months in the town, the company has announced the site will close, blaming rising business rates, higher wages, increasing energy bills and reduced footfall. The firm, founded in St Mary’s Bay in 2018, is now returning all operations to its Romney Marsh base. Director Leigh Honeyball said the difficulties it faced were exacerbated by a Facebook video posted by Folkestone and Hythe Labour MP Tony Vaughan about suspected illegal activity on the high street. In the now-deleted clip, Mr Vaughan walked through Hythe town centre encouraging residents to report concerns about “dodgy shops”, amid allegations some stores were selling illegal vapes and cut-price cigarettes. While the MP did not allege Boathouse Fisheries was one of the suspected businesses, the Hythe branch did feature in the background of the footage. Mrs Honeyball says the company felt it had been unfairly associated with the issue. “Like many independent businesses, we have faced significant increases in operating costs over the past year,” she said. “We feel it is important to mention that the situation was not helped by a recent social media video created by our local MP regarding dodgy shops on the high street, referencing vape shops, barbers and similar businesses, in which our business was included. “We felt this was neither helpful nor supportive to independent local businesses already facing difficult trading conditions, and it certainly contributed to the circumstances surrounding the decision we ultimately found ourselves making.” The 51-year-old says after they spotted the footage on social media, they emailed Mr Vaughan’s office asking for it to be removed and for a public apology. “The video was removed but we have not received a reply to either email nor any kind of apology,” Mrs Honeyball added. “Tony Vaughan doesn't appear to be an MP supportive of local business but instead looking for the cheap vote by making unfounded accusations.” Responding to the claims, Mr Vaughan said he was “saddened” to hear Boathouse Fisheries was closing, describing it as a “respected” and “admired” business. He said he would be happy to meet with the owners to discuss their concerns. “Videos I have posted to raise awareness of this issue have had thousands of views, have generated real lines of enquiry and were welcomed by the vast majority of residents,” he added. The MP also defended Labour’s plans to tackle illegal trading, saying stronger powers for councils and police - as well as the government’s changes to business rates - would help companies struggling with economic pressures. “With legitimate high street businesses facing real challenges, we must take firm action to close down shops which perpetuate illegality and organised crime in our communities, and which take customers away from reputable businesses,” he added. “I have heard genuine concerns from many local shopkeepers and residents about this.” It comes as the National Crime Agency recently announced a £30 million crackdown on organised crime linked to some high street businesses, including barber shops, vape stores and mini-marts. Since posting the Hythe video, the MP has shared a similar clip filmed in Folkestone. In this footage, he stresses businesses visible in the background - including recognisable pubs, florists and hairdressers - are reputable traders and a source of pride for the town. Mrs Honeyball says Boathouse Fisheries’ St Mary’s Bay branch benefits from Small Business Rates Relief, helping keep costs lower. It will continue supplying farm shops, attending farmers’ markets across Kent and operating delivery services from Romney Marsh. Mrs Honeyball says they remain grateful for the support they have received from customers in both Hythe and across Kent. “As a wholesaler serving hospitality, we are aware that the industry across the board is struggling,” she added. “Businesses are what keep our towns alive, so we encourage everyone to support local hospitality as much as possible."
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