The town centre redevelopment, which at one time was welcomed, is now affecting our shopkeepers and shoppers to the extent some businesses may not be here to see the completion of the work in November.
In a survey of the shops Newton News found drops in turnover and footfall as much as 50%. Everyone without exception, big stores and small shops, and including shoppers themselves, are sick of the inconvenience, dirt and worst of all poor access to the shops.
Many shopkeepers put their problems down to this particular issue. Why they ask wasn’t the upgrade done in stages and why disrupt the whole of the shopping precinct? Shoppers cannot be bothered to put up with the mess and the chaos. Even charity shops have lost up to 30% in takings.
Everyone sees the need to improve access into the centre as part of the overall plan, but why not do that first instead of closing the lot? The Aldi wall was pulled down in answer to protests but that entrance is still blocked with a wooden barrier! It does not make sense say shopkeepers and shoppers alike.
One shopkeeper said she received a phone call asking if the town centre was open yet? Another heard shouts from a balcony asking how she could get into the centre. The inconvenience to the elderly, wheelchair users and parents with push chairs is serious and if you want a taxi that involves a long trek to the only rank, in Greenfield Road.
The multi storey car park is almost empty, large shops like Boyes have lost 800 customers a week which is perhaps due to the fact the entrrance from the car park at the side of their shop is also closed.
You have to feel sorry for tenants in the Thames Centre who have a different landlord and through no fault of their own are being affected by the re-development. Their trade is down significantly and are seeking compensation as should all shopkeepers. It is unrealistic to expect shops to survive such big losses in business until November.Shopkeepers are laying off staff and cutting their hours – all down to the fact that custom has dropped drastically.
One businessman said he was happy to see work being done to improve the town centre and even though he is struggling will hold on as long as possible, but if things do not improve come November he would have to close.
Something has to be done to help our shopkeepers survive. In the short term open all accesses now – temporary footpaths would be more acceptable than no access at all! Finish the job in phases taking down the railings as you go along the pedestrian walkway. Let’s not wait until the whole job is done before Beveridge Way is opened again. Compensate shopkeepers for loss of trade and finally an appeal to all residents to support your local shops at this difficult time.
