I’m furious after a ‘monstrous’ POLE appeared outside my shop – it’s driving away customers but I have a plan to hide it

A TAKEAWAY owner is livid after the council installed a massive pole right outside his shop.

Ray Nicholson, 54, said profits have halved since the “monstrosity” 5G phone mast appeared in front of his café as it drives customers away.

The former football coach opened Nico Patties in Harrow, north west London, in summer 2020 – just weeks before the giant post was erected.

And takings at the eatery – which sells Caribbean patties, doughnuts and sweet treats – have plummeted from £300 a day to just £150 ever since.

Ray, who poured £14,000 into the business and regularly pulls 12-hour shifts, now feels he has “nothing left” to give.

He said: “When we first started we were flying, but now I have this monstrosity outside my shop.

“I just don’t understand why the council has done it.

“There is all that space on the pavement and they just stuck it in front of my shop.

“It is the worst planning I have ever seen and it has been a major, major problem.  

“Everyone was laughing at the beginning but it is not funny at all.

“It has affected my business and I have had no compensation.”

Ray said council bosses never warned him about the construction, or asked what he thought of the plans.

He also claims he is the only shop in the borough with a pole directly outside the front door.

Now Ray, who has lived in the area since 1974, fears his joint could be forced to shut.

“I am worried my business will have to close and I am worried about my health,” he said.

‘A MAJOR PROBLEM’

“And my rent has gone up. Initially when I signed a contract for five years it was for £750 a month, but then it increased by £100 even though that monstrosity has been put up in front of the shop.”

But in a desperate bid to save his business and continue serving his loyal customers, Ray has devised a plan.

He has purchased a trellis and hedge to wrap around the ugly shaft, which will be the backdrop to an outdoor seating area complete with parasol.

Ray said: “When people ask ‘are you open?’, that is really difficult.  

“It has affected everything I do but I am not going to let it dishearten me.  

“Why should be treated in this way when I am just trying to enhance the area?

“It has become a little social gathering spot for people after we are closed at 9pm because you can sit on and around it.

“My mum just said ‘make it work your way. Make it something special’. That is what I have done.”

The Sun has contacted Harrow Council for comment.