A protest is to take place in Hampstead in a last ditch attempt by traders to save their place of work.

Traders and supporters will gather at the Hampstead Antique & Craft Emporium, in Heath Street at 2pm on Saturday (December 7).

Staplepine, directed by Richard Jaffe, which runs the emporium, contacted all 25 traders on October 31, which was followed by a written notice on November 7, telling them they had until January 6 to clear all their stock.

A petition on 38 Degrees has so far gathered 1,457 signatures to save the emporium, which has operated in the heart of Hampstead since 1964.

A statement by traders on 38 Degrees reads: "Unfortunately Mr Richard Jaffe will not compromise or give the traders any opportunity to save the Hampstead Antique & Craft Emporium. 

"Jaffe is fully intent on its permanent closure on Jan 7th 2023 and is resolved to consign the market to history."

Traders have submitted an application to Camden Council for the emporium to be designated as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

If the ACV is accepted, it would give the community first option to buy if the building was sold.

The application is supported by Tulip Siddiq MP, Cllr Linda Chung, and Cllr Steven Stark, the Heath & Hampstead Society and the Hampstead Neighbourhood Forum.

Mr Jaffe previously told the Ham&High: "We've unfortunately had very little choice but to close the Emporium. 

"Costs have been increasing year after year, exponentially so in the last year, reaching a point where it's no longer financially viable for us to stay open."

To attend the protest visit: Protest at Hampstead Emporium Jan 7th 2023 2pm

To sign the petition go to: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-hampstead-antique-craft-emporium