Ref The Voice January 1, I’m afraid Sarah Fletcher is somewhat disillusional concerning Spalding town centre.
If there’s a continued negativity online and in the press, that’s because there’s nothing positive to say about the businesses in town. And, no amount of stone sheep or cows will make a difference to entice visitors!
Those complaining have a right to do so, as they have witnessed it’s severe decline.
At present all we have are estate agents and charity shops. There are European shops all with completely covered windows and gambling premises.
How else can you describe a town centre that has more empty shops than occupied ones, including those shut down for illegal trading?
Free parking will not attract footfall to a town devoid of retail shops.
The activities in the Sessions House are a private entity and nothing to do with SHDC’s revitalisation of the town centre, but well done them.
Previous members of the council have tried in vain, failing to help this area.
Springfields is the only success, which will continue to steal visitors from our town centre.
For someone who’s lived here all her life Ms Fletcher must know by now what’s required to make this area more attractive to shoppers.
SHDC killed this town when it took its market stalls away!
We, plus others, have been going to Stamford for a few years now, which is absolutely thriving.
I’ve stated previously in The Voice, their high streets are fully occupied with shops and market stalls. Maybe she should enquire how Stamford can be successful yet we can’t?
You cannot call Spalding a ‘market town’ when it lacks a proper market or shops.
You need to push for decent shops. A discounted business rate for two years to help them establish.
You need to go back to the market stalls being supplied and erected by SHDC employees to ease the burden on those having to set up or can’t set up their own stalls.
And once all established, certainly no parking fees.
Plants and trees were installed in the town this year to improve the visual effect. No-one watered them properly and they consequently died!
Planters installed weren’t level and now possess ‘No Cigarette Butts’ placards on them. Totally unsightly, obscuring the new wooden troughs! Plus the stone cattle! Where’s the logic?
My husband and I do not shop online, only using the supermarkets and very few other shops here.
We would love to buy more locally.
Denise Davis
Castlefields
Spalding
