Epsom protests 'disastrous' for business - traders

Businesses in Epsom say recent protests have been "disastrous" for the local economy and the town's reputation.

It comes after Surrey Police confirmed on Thursday that inquiries into a reported rape outside a church were closed as they had concluded "no sexual offence had occurred".

During the investigation, protesters marched in the town centre demanding descriptions of the suspects.

An Epsom Business Improvement District (BID) statement said retail and hospitality workers had been "harassed, intimidated and racially abused".

It added shoppers avoided coming to the town as they feared encountering protesters.

Epsom BID said one of the town's heritage buildings had suffered criminal damage costing £15,000.

"Bulk incidents of theft have been carried out, huge volumes of eggs were stolen to pelt police," they said.

"And floral displays around the town were destroyed."

The statement added: "For Epsom's economy and business community, it has been nothing short of disastrous."

Karen Pengelly, Epsom's BID manager, said they would be working with Surrey Police to identify the offenders.

She hoped the town could "focus on the positives", especially with Surrey Day approaching on 9 May.

"There is much to celebrate about Epsom," she added. "We will continue our long established tradition of welcoming all."

A woman in her 20s had initially reported that she had been raped outside Epsom Methodist Church in the early hours of 11 April, after leaving Labyrinth Epsom nightclub.

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