A man whose business has been in East Barnet for 36 years fears it will disappear as he faces sudden hikes in rent.

Falcon Motor Accessories is run by Dave Tailor in East Barnet Road, where it has established firm roots in the community.

When the freeholder who owns the business’s premises died last year Parkes Wilshire Johnson, a local legal firm, was instructed to handle the sale of the freehold.

The firm proceeded to sell the freehold to the property under instructions and Mr Tailor was among those who made a bid for ownership.

However, Falcon’s bid was unsuccessful, losing to Steven Philips Ltd, which is based out of Whetstone.

Without the freeholder controlling rent, Mr Tailor’s business faces unaffordable rises in rent up to 80 per cent.

Mr Tailor, who won an award last year for community kindness, said: “When I tell people my business is under threat they say they cannot imagine this area without my shop.

“We have been here for years and have a strong connection to East Barnet, with many more years still left on our lease of the property.

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“I believe we made the best bid for the premises and was disappointed to see us overlooked in favour of an outside interest.”

Currently, Falcon Motor Accessories can still be found at the same location though Mr Tailor fears he will eventually be unable to keep up with the increasing costs.

Parkes Wilshire Johnson declined to comment due to client confidentiality.