Enfield businesses hit as volcano flight ban affects food deliveries

Businesses across the borough which rely on imported goods are starting to struggle, with the flight ban meaning fresh produce from countries like Greece, Cyprus, and India are not reaching these shores.

Kyri Christofi is one of a host of Green Lanes traders who are starting to feel the effects of the ash cloud.

He said: “Basically we can't get any goods in that usually comes by air, and that is a big problem now.

“All stocks are very low, and we are not expecting to get anything this week. Not everyone realises yet but all perishable goods come by air and soon there will be none of them.”

Mr Christofi said customers at his wholesale grocers, Demos Continental, understand the situation, and know there is little anyone can do about it.

Produce like fruit, flowers, and Indian and Kenya foods, which are normally transported by air to keep them fresh have not arrived since the crisis began on Thursday last week.

Costa Constantinou, owner of Med.Fresh International which delivers food to shops and supermarkets across London, said it is a similar picture for traders in all town centres.

He said: “Everyone has been badly affected by this, there is nothing coming in from all across the world and the situation is very bad at the moment.

“We can only pray that things get back to normal soon, when it is safe for the planes to fly.”

The Enfield Independent reported yesterday how business for taxi firms in Enfield has been badly hit as airport runs dropped to zero, and holidaymakers remain trapped abroad as the flight ban continues.

All schools across the borough managed to open yesterday after the half-term break, but some teachers, staff, and pupils remain trapped abroad.

Enfield Council said: “Despite these difficulties schools are making every effort to cover classes and ensure children receive their education.

“In particular schools are ensuring that exams go ahead and that those pupils sitting them will have minimal disruption.”