Birmingham community rally to support shop facing closure after 50 years and say ‘come on people’

A Birmingham neighbourhood united to show support after a local greengrocer urged help from the community. The family-run Stirchley business has been trading for over 50 years but is now at risk of closure.

Speaking to BirminghamLive, John Ward of J&H Ward, revealed that he has started putting his own money into the business and was ‘stuck for ideas’. The 76-year-old asked the community to ‘support us or we’re going to close down’.

Located on the Pershore Road, J&H Ward is one of the oldest businesses in the Stirchley area, having opened 55 years ago. And the neighbourhood has had their say, urging each other to support the greengrocer.

Read More: Birmingham shopkeeper issues plea to customers ‘support us or we’re going to close’

On the BirminghamLive comment section, Andy Pryce said: “It will be a real shame if they close down. It's the only decent fruit and vegetable shop in the area! Their fruit and veg is much better than most of what you can buy in the supermarket.”

Another user wrote: “Labour has slashed business rates relief, put employer's National Insurance contributions up, and lowered the threshold at which employers start to pay NI. All of which will make things considerably worse for this small business and many others. Tough times ahead for businesses under Labour.”

And another guest commented: “This shop has some lovely plants and the prices are not bad at all. As John said, he needs more support. I personally think that the big plants are better and cheaper than DIY shops, they are well looked after and fed often, unlike some shops that only water when the plants are half dead. Come on people… support the business, check it out even if you don't buy anything.”

Elsewhere on a public Facebook group, the feeling was mutual. Deborah Susan Henry posted: “Aw I loved J&H Ward. I lived in the area many years ago. I shall make a point of getting my Xmas wreaths from them.“

Carol Rudge added: “You work so hard John. Fingers crossed for you.”

Susan Keating commented: “Can't believe it. No way should this lovely shop close. I'm really surprised that with a lot of new people moving into the area they're not shopping here and buying their lovely fruit and veg.”

And Laura Mann said: “Aw I absolutely love this shop! The only place you can get amazing fresh organic fruit & veg, local honey, fresh turmeric, ginger and large aloe vera leaves!

“Name me one shop in Stirchley that can do that, without it being too overpriced. They are just the best!”