An independent coffee shop is set to open next to Thornton Heath station. 

Southern Rail  had to repossess the premises after the leaseholder was arrested in a suspected drugs smuggling ring. Despite work starting on the building following planning permission in October 2015 the shop, at 38 Brigstock Road, which used to be The Studio cafe, never opened.

Joysen Jhurry, who leased the premises and put in the planning application was arrested in a National Crime Agency swoop linked to a drug smuggling ring.

Jhurry, the ringleader of the  multi million drugs smuggling ring was jailed for 16 years along with his brother-in-law, Preetam Mungrah, 44, of Woodville Road, who was jailed for 13 year’s and six month.

Govia Thamesline which runs Southern Rail readvertised the premises with a rent of £20,000 per annum

A spokeswoman for its property company confirmed it had been leased by an independent retailer adding: “It will be a coffee shop / café opening and works should start in the next month.”

* At the other end of the High Street a new vape shop and Nigerian takeaway have opened.