Spalding needs support and action to make it great again following the departure of the town centre manager, according to traders.
Spalding Town Retailers Association (STRA) discussed the situation at a recent meeting, saying the departure of Town Centre Manager Dennis Hannant has left a void which needs to be filled.
An extension of free parking, allowing Inter-town buses through the town centre, free wifi, more events and activities and the reintroduction of auctions are all on the traders’ wishlist in the hope of attracting more shoppers into the town centre.
The traders have already met with MP John Hayes and Coun Nick Worth and have corresponded with both Coun Gary Porter and South Holland District Council chief executive Anna Graves.
Joint STRA chairman Darren Sutton, of Bookmark and Charmed Interiors, said the feedback and initial response has been positive.
He said: “We are now seeking to set up some formal coordination structure, like the town team concept already adopted by many towns nationally.
“We want to work with the public sector and the people who can make the decisions and can deliver changes. We all need to work together and agree on how we can make positive improvements.”
Darren is also seeking to get more businesses involved.
STRA already has members from across the town, inclusive of the independents, the national chains and the market traders.
He added: “Spalding has so many good businesses and owners that have invested in and are committed to our town but it is time for some new faces to get involved too and to have some representatives from our eastern European neighbours would be excellent.
“We are all committed to our town, we all want more people in the town and want to look at what can be done to make locals and visitors come to Spalding, to come more often and stay longer.”
The traders would welcome the competition in the town centre of more national chains and equally would welcome an expansion of the town centre market, competition is healthy and choice and variety will bring people into the town.
But equally the businesses believe that lots of little things together can all help make Spalding more attractive and welcoming.
A wish list of the businesses included:
Parking is important, traders would welcome an extension of free parking and parking in the market place on non market days.
Changes to the Inter-town bus routes to run through the town centre and drop off in both Market Place and Hall Place.
Co-ordination of social media for the town centre and free wifi.
Utilisation of the Market Place and potentially elsewhere for more events and activities.
The (re)introduction of town centre auctions, maybe on market days or other regular days. This was organised by market traders during “Love Your Market” in May.
Any businesses wishing to become more involved can contact Darren Sutton at Bookmark or Sue Stubley at Occasions.
