Parking 'Charges will lead to shop closures'

CLEVEDON 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

A petition signed by 4,351 people was delivered to a full meeting of North Somerset Council on November 11, 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 added: “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.”

Known for its independent shops, bustling Hill Road is located some way from the town centre, just up the hill from Clevedon Pier. It has no car parks nearby and so people travelling by car use the free on-street parking.