Small businesses say they could face financial crisis if they are not given aid help with business rates.

Shopkeepers in parades in one part of the borough have called on Enfield Borough Council for a helping hand paying the rates - the equivalent of council tax for companies.

Empty shop windows have become a familiar sight in the past few years, with real concern for the future of the high street as it competes with out-of-town shopping centres.

However, with the first draft of the council’s budget for 2014/15 coming at the end of the year, businesswoman Tirsh Kelly who owns IndiviJewelistic in Lancaster Road, is hoping shops in this corner of Enfield can be protected.

She said: “We have seen a lot of shop fronts become empty during the past few years and we do not want this to continue. A reduced business rate or rebate on our existing rates from the council would certainly see more shops and indeed shoppers back to this part of Enfield.”

Business rates are a tax on the property occupied by a business and are determined by the size of the premises used.

Piloted schemes have previously been set up in Edmonton and Enfield Town in which the council has helped to pay a percentage of their business rates, something the jewellery shop owner wants to see in Lancaster Road and Chase Side.

She said: “It’s good that the council has provided specific help for businesses in Edmonton and Enfield Town, and we think shops in this area would benefit from a bit of support too."

Enfield North MP Nick de Bois supports the idea. He said: “There’s a clear message from local shops and businesses to Enfield Council here – simple measures that have been tried elsewhere should be offered equally throughout the borough. I hope the council sees sense and provides the help they’re asking for."

Without regulations, Mrs Kelly revealed her fears for the future of shops in the area.

She added: “We have been working on a petition for more than six months and the majority of shop owners have signed it. There are lots shops here and I fear that many will be in real trouble if no help is given.”

Enfield Independent has asked Enfield Council for a response.