Extensive roadworks are commencing this morning (July 12th) in Bartholomew Street South, as Southern Gas Networks move in to carry out essential replacement work.

Delays and parking restrictions are anticipated.

Extensive roadworks are still continuing in Bartholomew Street, and have cost me £2000 in lost trade in 2 weeks. Whilst the roadworks are relatively well contained and are not obstructing the street at present, ..... there are no parking bays available due to the contractors vehicles taking them all up. Indeed some of the bays are cordoned off and are completely empty ! I spoke to a traffic warden about this and was informed SGN paid £2K to West berkshire Council for the pleasure of using these parking bays ... presumably West Berkshire Council will be re-directing these funds directly into my bank account to make up for loss of trade, as my customers have no where to park ??? The message is simple guys ..... Bartholomew Street - USE IT OR LOOSE IT - it's not really that far to walk from the Kennet Centre ...... in six months time you will all be scratching your heads and saying "wot a shame they have all gone"

Completely sympathise with you Paula.  I usually call in at the bakery on my way to work to get my lunch and was dismayed on Monday to see the bay cordened off and unfortunately it is too far for me to walk to from work at lunch time.  This work has been a complete nightmare since it started for motorists and much worse for retailers....  I just hope it finishes soon for everyone's sake.

You can't park outside most of the shops in town, and that is all year round.   - Are you really suggesting that unless folk can park directly outside they won't shop with you?

Quoted from 78

You can't park outside most of the shops in town, and that is all year round.   - Are you really suggesting that unless folk can park directly outside they won't shop with you?

Not at all - I am suggesting that the rent is up to 10 x more in the centre of town, than I pay. My location enables me to sell nice quality products that are extremely reasonably priced, because my overheads are not so high. My location is also a very convenient place for the elderly of south newbury to shop, who find venturing into town tricky, and for those that don't have time to negotiate the "car parks" in the town centre and need to buy a gift. I have a wide and very happy customer base who sadly can't get to my shop without aggravation at the moment. The same of course applies to the Bakery - can you imagine getting up about 4 am every morning, baking loads of cake/bread etc, and then having to throw it all away at the end of the day, because your customers can't simply stop and pick up their lunch ? What we offer Newbury could almost be described as a "drive through" service.

Quoted from 78

You can't park outside most of the shops in town, and that is all year round.   - Are you really suggesting that unless folk can park directly outside they won't shop with you?

Hey just a thought ..... maybe that's why the retail park is always busier than town ... you can park for free right outside the shops ??

Quoted from PaulaM

Hey just a thought ..... maybe that's why the retail park is always busier than town ... you can park for free right outside the shops ??

It's not though is it, have you walked down Northbrook Street at lunchtime or on a Saturday afternoon?

Quoted from user23.3

It's not though is it, have you walked down Northbrook Street at lunchtime or on a Saturday afternoon?

Yes frequently ! Sadly a lunch break and a Saturday afternoon is not enough to keep these Companies going, on the enormous rents they have to pay . . . Most National Chains "prop" one and other up, any independant trader doesn't stand much of a chance at the moment. Remember the old Thorntons shop nearer the clock tower ? The asking rent was £75K pa when they left - that's a lot of chocolate to sell ! Take a look at local Commercial Agents Websites, and see how many independant traders are going/gone ..... cupcake/petit square/the square/out to lunch etc etc National Companies are currently being "encouraged" with "incentives" to come to Newbury.  Personally I welcome the new park way development - but there has to be a balance - and that ain't happening !!

What's the solution then, government controlled rents for commercial property?

Quoted from PaulaM

Hey just a thought ..... maybe that's why the retail park is always busier than town ... you can park for free right outside the shops ??

No, the retail park appears busier than town because it only has one car park. Everything is focused in that one spot. If you actually go into the shops, they are practically empty.

Quoted from PaulaM

Not at all - I am suggesting that the rent is up to 10 x more in the centre of town, than I pay. My location enables me to sell nice quality products that are extremely reasonably priced, because my overheads are not so high. My location is also a very convenient place for the elderly of south newbury to shop, who find venturing into town tricky, and for those that don't have time to negotiate the "car parks" in the town centre and need to buy a gift. I have a wide and very happy customer base who sadly can't get to my shop without aggravation at the moment. The same of course applies to the Bakery - can you imagine getting up about 4 am every morning, baking loads of cake/bread etc, and then having to throw it all away at the end of the day, because your customers can't simply stop and pick up their lunch ? What we offer Newbury could almost be described as a "drive through" service.

But you only have a very few parking spaces in Bart St. If they are full - which they are almost all the time during the day, do your customers drive back home?

I remember the Laurel blaming the loss of the car park opposite as the reason for them closing.

Quoted from 78

But you only have a very few parking spaces in Bart St. If they are full - which they are almost all the time during the day, do your customers drive back home?

I remember the Laurel blaming the loss of the car park opposite as the reason for them closing.

I am only quoting what my customers are saying "I tried to get in last week, but the roadworks are a nightmare". Thankfully our local MP is not so ignorant to the fact . . . he came and visited us all today - and could see EXACTLY where we are coming from.

Quoted from user23.3

What's the solution then, government controlled rents for commercial property?

Don't think that would work in a "free" world ??  Actually what I would like to see is an area specifically put aside for small local independent businesses and speciality shops - with affordable rents and lots of parking.  There are lots of them in the Midlands and there is enough trade for everyone. It makes for a nice day outside of the major shopping centres. There is hardcore shopping ... and there is relaxing shopping .... being female I am an expert !

Quoted from PaulaM

I am only quoting what my customers are saying "I tried to get in last week, but the roadworks are a nightmare". Thankfully our local MP is not so ignorant to the fact . . . he came and visited us all today - and could see EXACTLY where we are coming from.

This is the same as the 'the loss of the Parkway parking spaces is killing the town' argument, which suggested the if people could not park within 200 yards of the shop they wanted to visit they'd go elsewhere.

It must be down to perception - If you go to Festival Place / Oracle you have to walk a fair distance to get to the first shop. And if you venture out of either Mall, you'll end up walking over a km. Why there is this idea that people won't do this in Newbury to visit either the S end of Bart Street or the Broadway I don't understand.

Quoted from 78

...Why there is this idea that people won't do this in Newbury to visit either the S end of Bart Street or the Broadway I don't understand.

Go and compare the footfall at the top and bottom of town.  The proof is evident.