A business owner has written to the leader of Wokingham Borough Council to highlight what he has described as the “sobering reality” of the future of retail in the town centre.
Phil Edgecombe, owner of Phil’s Good Food in Broad Street, is demanding urgent action, suggesting the fate of the town’s market and independent retailers is “hanging by a thread.”
In the letter to Stephen Conway, he wrote: “From my own experience and from talking to stall-holders and other shopkeepers, I firmly believe that within five years there will be no independent shops or market in Wokingham unless the Borough Council takes steps to encourage visitors to the town.
“The current policies regarding parking and enforcement of the parking rules are hostile to residents and visitors to the town, and local businesses are suffering.
“The vibrancy of our town’s nightlife, and its potential to attract residents and visitors alike, are being stifled by these policies, and it is disheartening to see the negative impact on our community.”
He said the car parks, roads, and public areas within the town should primarily exist for the use of the public.
“While it may be reasonable to charge for the maintenance and operation of these facilities, they should not be used as an additional source of revenue for the Council to fill financial gaps, especially when £160 million has just been spent refurbishing the town centre.
Urging Wokingham Borough Council to address his concerns at the next meeting of its Executive, he suggested three actions are needed to “stop the demise of Wokingham.”
He called for a reduction in parking fees. The reintroduction of free parking after 6pm and the removal of the civil enforcement officers, which he said is “killing the town.”
He added: “I am acutely aware that the Borough Council faces budgetary constraints and that revenue from parking fines may be an important source of income for essential services, however it is crucial to consider the long-term economic consequences of these policies.
“If we continue down this path, we risk losing the very businesses that generate tax revenue and contribute to the economic health of our town as well as losing the soul of the town itself. In the long run, this would prove far more detrimental than any financial gain from parking.
“I implore the Borough Council to take these proposed changes into serious consideration. “Our actions today will determine whether Wokingham can once again be the thriving, vibrant community I love.”
In his reply, Cllr Conways said: “I know it’s very tough to run a small business at the best of times, and these are certainly not the best of times.
“Just as businesses and households have suffered, so has the council. Inflation has reduced the amount of money available to run vital services; combined with a growth in demand for our services, high interest rates which make our borrowing more
expensive, and historic underfunding of the borough by central government, it has created a need to make savings that we would rather not make.
“We have been obliged to slim down our staff numbers and are likely to vacate the expensive council offices at Shute End to save money. We have also had to look to raise more revenue where we can.
“It’s in that context that we have been forced to raise car parking charges.
“Car park charges had not been raised for several years. The highways service has not been covering its costs. It has effectively been subsidised by other parts of the council, including adult social services and children’s services, which support some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
“Raising car parking charges reduces the amount of money we have to deny to adults and children’s services to support their vital work.
“I can appreciate that any increase in car park charges is unwelcome to traders, who worry about its impact on footfall.
“I accept that you and some of those traders that you know are concerned that the council is making a difficult trading environment worse.
“We are carrying out work to assess the impact, and that will soon be ready for us to consider. But I should say that Wokingham’s car park charges remain below those in council-controlled car parks in Reading and Bracknell, which are Wokingham’s main competitors.
“On the specific point about the evening charge, we will know more about its impact when we have completed the analysis of the usage figures. But preliminary assessment suggests that a very modest £1 charge is not having a detrimental impact on the evening economy.
“In the context of the cost of a meal out in Wokingham, it seems unlikely that paying an extra £1 is a significant deterrent.
“You raise concerns about the parking officers, and particularly their zealousy in fining drivers.
“I know there have been some cases where the parking officers (who are contractors, not council employees) have acted insensitively and we will continue to do all we can to remedy this but, on the whole, the parking officers have produced beneficial outcomes, deterring people from parking illegally and blocking access to premises, or parking improperly across parking bays, which of course limits the number of vehicles that can use car parks.
“Your letter expresses fears for the market and we understand its importance to the town. The market is run by the town council, but we have recently approved funding to support its growth and sustainability.
“Despite our limited funding, we have recognised the need to increase support for our town centres. Our economic development team is supporting a local business-led networking group called Our Business Community that will help businesses connect, share ideas to address mutual challenges and develop stronger links with each other, the Borough and Town Councils and the local community.
“The team has also started regular business visits when council officers talk to the owners about any support needs they may have, and to inform them of opportunities available. The aim of these visits is to ensure that businesses are aware of the support that is available to them.
“The team are also putting together a plan for events designed to increase footfall into the town and more details will be confirmed soon.
He concluded by saying: “I am very willing to meet with you to discuss what the council might be able to do to help your business.”
Phil’s letter to Cllr Stephen Conway, Leader of Wokingham Borough Council.
Urgent Action Required: Parking Policies Threaten Our Market and Independent Shops
This is an open letter to Cllr Stephen Conway, leader of Wokingham Borough Council.
As a concerned citizen, local shopkeeper, and longtime local resident, I am writing to draw your attention to a stark and sobering reality that demands immediate attention and action.
The fate of our town’s market and independent shops hangs by the thinnest of threads. From my own experience and from talking to stall-holders and other shopkeepers I firmly believe that within five years there will be NO independent shops or market in Wokingham unless the Borough Council takes steps to encourage visitors to the town.
The current policies regarding parking and enforcement of the parking rules are hostile to residents and visitors to the town and local businesses are suffering. It is with utmost respect and a deep sense of responsibility that I address this matter, not only as an individual but on behalf of a significant portion of our community.
Our town has always held a special place in the hearts of its residents. Its charming centre, unique shops and vibrant market have contributed to the warmth and character that make it a desirable place to live. However, just this week I have been profoundly saddened to be informed of the closure of three more well-established independent shops, a trend that is becoming all too common. These closures serve as a stark reminder of the challenges our local businesses face in today’s economic climate.
Local restaurateurs have also shared with me the significant hardships they’ve endured due to the recently-introduced evening parking charges. These charges deter customers from coming to Wokingham to dine out in the evening, adversely affecting the livelihoods of our local restaurant owners. The vibrancy of our town’s nightlife and its potential to attract residents and visitors alike are being stifled by these policies, and it is disheartening to see the negative impact on our community.
The car parks, roads, and public areas within our town should primarily exist for the use of the public. While it may be reasonable to charge for the maintenance and operation of these facilities, they should not be used as an additional source of revenue for the Council to fill financial gaps (especially when £160 million has just been spent refurbishing the town centre). The primary purpose of public infrastructure should always be to serve the best interests of the community, fostering an environment where local businesses can thrive and residents can enjoy their town without excessive financial burdens.
In light of the aforementioned concerns, I kindly request that the Borough Council minute this letter and your response at the next Exec meeting.
Actions proposed to stop the demise of Wokingham:
Reduce Parking Fees: The current parking fees are too high and act as a significant deterrent for both residents and customers to visit our local businesses. High parking fees discourage potential customers from choosing our town as their destination, leading to the closure of the banks and even more independent shops.
Reintroduce Free Parking after 6pm: To encourage residents and visitors to enjoy our town’s nightlife and support local restaurants and entertainment establishments, parking must be made free after 6PM. This policy change would not only enhance the evening economy but also foster a stronger sense of community engagement and togetherness.
Remove the Civil Enforcement Officers: The number of Penalty charge notices being issued is killing the town. A single £40 fine means that person will go elsewhere and not spend money in Wokingham in the future.
It is important to remember that these proposed changes are not just about the financial aspects of parking but also about the well-being and sustainability of our community. By reducing parking fees, implementing free evening parking, and removing the Civil Enforcement Officers, we can start to reinvigorate our town’s economy, support our local businesses, and create a more welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
I am acutely aware that the Borough Council faces budgetary constraints and that revenue from parking fines may be an important source of income for essential services. However, it is crucial to consider the long-term economic consequences of these policies. If we continue down this path, we risk losing the very businesses that generate tax revenue and contribute to the economic health of our town as well as losing the soul of the town itself. In the long run, this would prove far more detrimental than any financial gain from parking.
I am taking the liberty to share this letter on social media, and I kindly request that anyone who agrees with these proposed changes add a comment and share this post. The more voices we can gather in support of this matter, the stronger our case will be for the betterment of our community.
In conclusion, I implore the Borough Council to take these proposed changes into serious consideration. Our town’s future hangs in the balance, and our actions today will determine whether Wokingham can once again be the thriving, vibrant community I love.
The 800-year history of Wokingham Market needs to be protected. The Royal Charters from Henry III, Queen Elizabeth I and King James all decree Tuesday as Market Day. If we wish to call ourselves a Market Town we need more than just one or two hot food stalls on a Tuesday.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing your response and hope that we can work together to make our town an even better place to live, work, and visit.
Cllr Conway’s reply to Phil.
Dear Phil
Thanks for your letter of yesterday.
I know it’s very tought to run a small business at the best of times, and these are certainly not the best of times. The pandemic accelerated a trend to more online shopping and led to the closure of many retail outlets. Now the cost-of-living crisis is hitting many people in the pocket, and reducing spending power. The rise in interest rates since September 2022 has increased many mortgage repayments. Inflation in the price of goods and labour shortages have made matters worse.
Just as businesses and households have suffered, so has the council. Inflation has reduced the amount of money available to run vital services; combined with a growth in demand for our services, high interest rates which make our borrowing more expensive, and historic underfunding of the borough by central government, it has created a need to make savings that we would rather not make.
We have been obliged to slim down our staff numbers and are likely to vacate the expensive council offices at Shute End to save money. We have also had to look to raise more revenue where we can. It’s in that context that we have been forced to raise car parking charges.
Car park charges had not been raised for several years. The highways service has not been covering its costs. It has effectively been subsidized by other parts of the council, including adult social services and children’s services, which support some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Raising car parking charges reduces the amount of money we have to deny to adults and children’s services to support their vital work.
I can appreciate that any increase in car park charges is unwelcome to traders, who worry about its impact on footfall. I accept that you and some of those traders that you know are concerned that the council is making a difficult trading environment worse. We are carrying out work to assess the impact and that will soon be ready for us to consider. But I should say that Wokingham’s car park charges remain below those in council-controlled car parks in Reading and Bracknell, which are Wokingham’s main competitors.
On the specific point about the evening charge, we will know more about its impact when we have completed the analysis of the useage figures. But preliminary assessment suggests that a very modest £1 charge is not having a detrimental impact on the evening economy. In the context of the cost of a meal out in Wokingham, it seems unlikely that paying an extra £1 is a significant deterrent.
You raise concerns about the parking officers, and particularly their zealousy in fining drivers. I know there have been some cases where the parking officers (who are contractors, not council employees) have acted insensitively and we will continue to do all we can to remedy this. But, on the whole, the parking officers have produced beneficial outcomes, deterring people from parking illegally and blocking access to premises, or parking improperly across parking bays, which of course limits the number of vehicles that can use car parks.
Your letter expresses fears for the market and we understand its importance to the town. The market is run by the town council, but we have recently approved funding to support its growth and sustainability.
Despite our limited funding, we have recognised the need to increase support for our town centres. Our economic development team is supporting a local business-led networking group called Our Business Community that will help businesses connect, share ideas to address mutual challenges and develop stronger links with each other, the Borough and Town Councils and the local community.
The team has also started regular business visits when council officer talk to the owners about any support needs they may have and to inform them of opportunities available. The aim of these visits is to ensure that businesses are aware of the support that is available to them. Understand the team has not visited you yet, but if you would like will ensure that they do so soon.
The team are also putting together a plan for events designed to increase footfall into the town and more details will be confirmed soon.
I am very willing to meet with you to discuss what the council might be able to do to help your business.
Best wishes
Stephen.
