THE owner of an under-fire convenience store has thanked the community for their support.

As previously reported in The Gazette, the Premier News store, in Basing View, may be forced to close as part of the regeneration of the area.

Run by the Patel family for the past 12 years were told they had to vacate the premises within four-weeks.

A petition was set up to generate community support for the store and owner Kishor Patel said he was overwhelmed with the support.

Mr Patel said: “All our regular customers have been so supportive signing the petition and telling us how important we are for the area.

“What has surprised me is that even a number of the businesses in Basing View have told us they want to a small local business to remain in the area as part of the regeneration project.”

The Patel family, from Brighton Hill, where told they would have move from the current store is due to the site being demolished to make way for the new home of Eli Lilly.

They were initially told would be relocated to a portacabin while the work was ongoing, but then Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council said this move was not viable.

However, following a meeting on Tuesday, Mr Patel said there is now open dialogue with council officers.

He added: “We now have continual dialogue with the council which is a step forward.

“We hope to continue to talk with the council and see if we can find a resolution in terms of the future of our store.”

Cabinet member for property and development at the borough council, Cllr John Izett said: “We continue to support Mr Patel in any way we can to find an alternative location for his business.

“As part of this we have reached an agreement to extend his time at Loddon Parade to allow him to vacate the unit.”