ONE month since the two hours’ free parking trial period started in Westbury, figures show the amount of people using the car parks in the town centre has gone up by 50%, but some businesses say they are still suffering.
The town council says they are encouraged by figures but say they know there is still progress to be made with revitalising the town centre.
Mayor of Westbury, councillor Gordon King said, “People have responded marvellously and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them. However, it is not a done deal, simply an experiment.
“The next task will be to establish the extent to which this increase in car park occupancy has translated into improved retail performance and profitability and that will take longer to evaluate. We would like to hear from retailers concerning their experiences since the introduction of the parking concession. Your views should be sent to the town clerk Mrs Deborah Urch at deborah.urch@westbury towncouncil.gov.uk.
“Westbury Town Council has an objective of promoting and supporting a strong local economy and the vitality of the retail offer is an important aspect of achieving that goal. Whilst it is too early to draw specific conclusions, my message to the people of Westbury is that they can help support this initiative by wherever possible, “shopping in Westbury”. I am encouraged that this initiative has made a strong start.”
Andrew Elliott of Elliott’s Traditional Butchers said, “I think trade has gone up. It’s created a lot more interest in the high street. It feels like there are a few more people about.”
Emma Symonds of EJ Crafts said, “The free parking has had a little bit of impact, I’ve noticed more footfall down Maristow Street. I’ve had more people coming in for alterations since the free parking.”
Despite an increase in cars, though, other business owners say that the town centre is still struggling to bring people in and needs a boost.
Dawn Kalsi who owned Free Spirit said, “Unfortunately it’s made no difference to my business in Maristow Street, so I’m having to close.
“The town centre needs changing, everyone is complaining that there is not enough shopping choices in Westbury. There are too many estate agents, charity shops and cafes. My business was doing well but has been declining for the last few months so I cannot afford to keep the shop running if it’s not paying for itself.
“Morale is definitely low in the town and it needs picking up somehow.”
One shop owner who preferred not to be named said, “It’s made no difference whatsoever and there is no reason to come to Westbury high street.”
This view was echoed by Andrea Malone, owner of Andrea’s Flowers, who said, “It’s not made much difference at the moment. So I think it’s going to take time, as some people don’t even know that it is free parking. Customers come in and are surprised to hear that it is free parking. I think it takes time for people to realise that there is free parking.
“Hopefully within the next month or so it’ll pick up a bit more. A bit more promotion is needed as it is so quiet in the town. If something decent goes into the property that is up for auction, rather than a charity shop or something, maybe that’ll pull a few more people in. I get plenty of funerals and weddings, but it’s the footfall, it’s terrible in Westbury.
“I’ve been here eight years now and sales have gone down; whether people are just shopping in supermarkets because of the free car parking there, I don’t know. If people want local shops then they need to support them.”
