A man from Bushey has opened up on feeling"left behind" after the lockdowns and the cost-of-living crisis decimated his business.
He says he has been unable to access support despite business still not picking up, and feels alienated by politicians including Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden, who he claims has ignored him.He said: “During lockdown I didn’t get any monetary support. I wasn’t allowed to work but I wasn’t even getting unemployment benefit.“A lot of the customers are people coming from abroad, people from other parts of the country don’t generally want walking tours, and people book their holidays so far in advance.
“I’m thinking of moving away. I don’t feel wanted or respected. I’m still doing my walking tours in London but I’m not earning enough.”Stephen said he has tried for years to meet with Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden, who was also culture minister in 2020 and 2021.