A WOKINGHAM businessman has called for urgent action to save struggling town businesses from closure, including launching a banking hub, echoing a call from Age UK.
Phil’s Good Food store on Broad Street lies at the heart of Wokingham’s revamped town centre.
Costing £113million, the project saw Peach Street and Market Place redeveloped and a 95-bedroom hotel, cinema and shops, cafe and restaurants built on Elms Field.
Yet Phil Edgecombe, who opened his popular food store just three ago, has a perfect view from his shop window as to why he and other businesses say Wokingham isn’t working.
He says the cost-of-living crisis, bank and Post Office closures and draconian parking regulations, have left many local shops “barely surviving.”
And the frustrated businessman has warned unless action is taken now, Wokingham will become a ghost town.
“The Nat West Bank directly opposite lies empty and there are double yellow lines everywhere,” said Phil.
“I live in Finchampstead and neighbours and friends tell me they used to shop in Wokingham but every one of them has received a £60 parking ticket for the pleasure. Sometimes I think there are more traffic wardens than shoppers walking around. People get fed up, so they go to Reading or Bracknell instead.”
Phil’s Good Food store is a family-run shop which sells local, organic produce mainly from small producers including specialised cheeses, fine wines and artisan hampers
It is the sort of fine food store which, if based in London, would probably be located in leafy Hampstead or upmarket Chelsea – with produce selling at double the price.
But Phil admits he is worried that if small businesses like his do not receive help, they may be forced to close in a few years.
“There are a number of things which could be enacted immediately to make Wokingham a better place to shop,” he suggests.
“Firstly, ease up on the parking restrictions. This is deterring shoppers who simply won’t risk a £60 on top of their shopping. You can’t look down any street in the town without spotting a parking warden.
“Secondly, Wokingham has a large elderly population who regularly used the banks and the former Post Office which have closed. They miss the interaction with their staff and shop staff. Many would come in as much for a chat as to buy. They may have taken out maybe £20 or £30 for their shopping. That was a vital lifeline for them and the shops.
“What Wokingham needs is a Bank HUB, the type which have been opening up around the country. It is an ideal way to encourage people into town by providing the services which have all too sadly disappeared.”
Bank HUBS were pioneered last year by the Cash Action Group and LINK in Cambuslang, Glasgow and Rochford in Essex. The shared branches operate in a similar way to a standard bank with a counter service operated by Post Office staff enabling customers with any bank to withdraw or deposit cash, make bill payments and other banking transactions.
The Glasgow and Essex HUBS have already seen more than 60,000 customer visits with transactions worth £16million. Each of the banks using the HUB provide staff on rotation alongside financial specialists.
John Bachtler chair of the Cambuslang Community Council in Glasgow said its Bank HUB has been vital in saving the town’s High Street: “When our last bank closed, people no longer popped into town.
“Parts of the community like the elderly and financially vulnerable lost an essential service. They had to travel and do their shopping elsewhere so our High Street suffered. The closures have also affected small businesses which had nowhere to bank their takings.”
John Howells, chief executive of LINK, added: “The UK isn’t ready to go cashless yet and it’s vital to protect our national cash infrastructure for the millions of consumers who still rely on cash.
“Any community with a problem with access to cash can now contact LINK and ask for help – we will also proactively check every community where ATMs and branches are closing to see if help should be provided.
Phil Edgecombe called on Wokingham Borough Council to look at setting up a Bank HUB in the town.
“When I opened, I expected to hire a number of staff but it’s just not been financially possible. My wife, Julia, is a nurse and helps out when she can but basically I run the place myself.
“We need a council which is imaginative and forward looking at how small businesses like mine can thrive. We love what we do, we want to provide employment and make our town centre a place people want to come to. Please do something before it is too late.”
Phil hopes more shoppers will use his online service: “We provide free delivery on orders over £20 and our gift hampers are delivered free to UK addresses. We really love and value our customers.
“One elderly customer phoned this morning asking for his favourite cheese to be delivered as he can’t get into town. I’ll make that delivery because we care for our customers.”
Phil just hopes Wokingham Borough Council cares as much for its businesses.
