Empty shops 'inevitable' if public charged to park

A STREET “full of incredible independent businesses” could be boarded up and full of empty units within five years if North Somerset Council introduces parking charges on the street, shopkeepers have warned.

- JOHN WIMPERIS Local Democracy Reporter

> Hill Road traders and representatives of other Clevedon businesses urge the council to rethink parking charges Discover Clevedon

A petition signed by 4,351 people was delivered to a full meeting of North Somerset Council, urging the council not to introduce parking charges on Hill Road in Clevedon.

At the meeting, Tristan Merriam of Doghead Designs told councillors that the on-street parking charges would “unquestionably” lead to businesses closing.

Mr Merriam said: “My business, like so many independents, relies on passing footfall: people who pop in while they are walking their dog, running errands, or visiting other shops. If parking becomes paid, that spontaneous footfall will drop. People will think twice about stopping. They will go somewhere else, somewhere free, somewhere easier.”

He said: “What do we really want Hill Road and the surrounding area to look like five years from now? Boarded up? Empty units everywhere? Sadly this is the inevitable if you proceed with this scheme.”