The owner of a Stokes Croft restaurant claims growing problems with anti-social behaviour on Turbo Island is the main reason he has been forced to close his business. Jamaica Street Stores is closing TOMORROW (Friday, July 15) after five years and although owner/chef Charlie James says soaring energy bills and rents are a contributory factor to the sudden closure, it’s more the fact the area has become less safe.
Notorious Turbo Island, on the junction of Jamaica Street and Stokes Croft, has long been a troubled area and it was there long before Jamaica Street Stores opened opposite, but Charlie says things have worsened in recent times. He claims there have been several instances where he and his staff have been threatened and that he has ‘lost good staff’ due to it.
“Stokes Croft, albeit full of cultural charm, is a tricky spot,” says Charlie. “Turbo Island, which is on our door step, has deteriorated significantly in the last few years and there’s no denying that this has contributed towards our decision to move on.
