Nightmare Parking Tariffs Threaten Local Businesses in Cornish Town
Callington, Cornwall: The charming town of Callington, nestled in Cornwall, with its population of 6,000 and a community built around independent shops and local businesses, is facing a serious crisis. What was once a thriving town has now turned into a “ghost town” due to parking tariffs that have left angry shop owners fearing the worst.
Until recently, shoppers enjoyed an hour of free parking in the town’s business district. However, things took a downward turn when a £1 parking fee was introduced, along with additional charges for longer stays. This change has hit local businesses hard, leading to a decline in foot traffic and customers.
The impact has been rapid and severe. Just three months after the introduction of the payment system at the New Road South car park, one business has already announced its impending closure. This has sparked concerns that more local shops could follow suit if the situation doesn’t change.
Andrew Long, a town councillor, expressed the frustration of the community. He emphasized the uniqueness of Callington as a small market town with limited resources and argued that imposing parking charges for short visits undermines the vitality of the town center. He further highlighted the negative impact on Sundays, when visitors coming for worship now have to pay to park.
The situation is exacerbated by the closure of key establishments. The B&M store, which used to be a Co-op, once covered the parking cost for its customers. However, with the shift to B&M, this arrangement changed, leading to disputes and uncertainty.
Local business owners are feeling the pinch as well. Tricia Stephenson, who runs Victoria Eyton, a party supplies and gift shop, revealed that the introduction of parking fees led to a drop in business and ultimately forced her shop to close its doors. The decline in footfall has been noticeable, with some weeks showing a significant 40% drop in sales compared to the previous year.
Dogsbodies, a pet shop run by Vicki and Andy Brett, also faces the challenges posed by parking fees. Vicki expressed disappointment at the lack of support from Cornwall Council and the adverse effects on small businesses. Despite introducing a loyalty card to retain customers, the decline in business remains evident.
The impact on the local economy has been staggering. Data from Cornwall Council shows a 52% decrease in car park usage since the tariffs were implemented. Melissa and Gary Cummings, who own the business Paintprint, are among those trying innovative strategies to counteract the decline. They offer customers £1 back for every £10 spent to subsidize parking costs.
As businesses struggle and closures continue, the town’s once-thriving atmosphere is at risk. Sue Wallis, owner of Colins of Callington, a bridal and menswear shop, worries about the loss of attractions and shops that once brought people to the town. She suggests that offering free parking and implementing a park-and-ride system could help revive the town’s fortunes.
The situation is complex, with Cornwall Council and businesses pointing fingers at each other. Despite the challenges, local shop owners remain hopeful that a solution can be found before more establishments are forced to close their doors. As the town faces this pivotal moment, it remains to be seen whether the local community, along with the council, can come together to save Callington from becoming a true “ghost town.”
[Reporting by The Sun]