SHB.L Share News (SHB)

London focused landlord Shaftesbury said it remains confident of rental and dividend growth as robust demand for its properties continues."Trading conditions in London's West End remain very healthy," Shaftesbury noted. "Prosperity of the West End is evident across Villages, reflected in strong demand for all uses, rental growth and continuing low levels of vacancies," it added. Total estimated rental value of wholly owned vacant commercial space at July 31 stood at £2.7m per annum and totalled 46,000 sq ft. Shaftesbury said it currently has no shops over £100,000 per annum or any restaurants that are vacant and not under offer. "Whilst the high profile events in 2012 are likely to present considerable challenges, not least to London's transport network, they will also attract extensive publicity and in the years ahead bring more visitors to London. This, together with our own experience and the resilience of current trading, gives us confidence that the prosperity of our Villages and growth in our rental income and dividends will continue," the group said.Shaftesbury says it continues to explore further acquisition opportunities. ---CJ