Our picture shows the Lighting Centre, closing its doors after 65 years in Newbury.
The Lighting Centre in Bartholomew Street , one of Newbury’s oldest established independent retailers, will be closing its doors at the beginning of May. Ian Bennett who is Managing Director said that the current economic situation coupled with difficult trading conditions for Newbury in particular, had been contributory factors, but the final decision had been taken based on the forthcoming retirement of key members of staff. The electrical contracting and events side of the business is to continue. All current retail stock is being sold at half price. Business is tough for the independent retailer in Newbury at the moment, a view shared by Barry Forkin of Barry Forkin/Toomers and Wendy Berkeley at the Empire Café Mrs Berkeley blames lack of car parking, extensive road works and road closures plus the aggressive attitude of the parking wardens (Green Meanies). The current euphoria surrounding Parkway is countered by the reality of anticipated empty property as stores and businesses relocate or vacate Newbury Town Centre completely. Stores and businesses relocating include Debenhams, New Look, Barclays Bank (2 branches), Fat Face, Jones the Bootmaker. Stores expected to leave Newbury between now and Christmas include Currys (August), Cotton Traders, Early Learning Centre, Anne Summers. Whilst uncertainty surrounds the future of HMV and Waterstones. The independent traders are suffering from a swingeing increase in business rates following the recent rating revaluation, and are very suspicious of the proposed BID (Business Improvement District) which could add another 5% to their total rates bill.
A whole heap of suggested reasons for the business to be closing, but the primary one (not listed) is competition from online shopping. People go into these shops to get some ideas then go away and buy it online, ...cheaper... And perhaps they were selling tat?
But yet another shop blaming the GMs... How long does it take to buy a lamp? More than 30 minutes? If the shop owners down that end of town think it would be better with one or two hours they should get the council to change the signs. But the logic for me is to get drivers to pop in then out again and create turnover rather than kill off parking spaces by being parked there for ages...
A whole heap of suggested reasons for the business to be closing, but the primary one (not listed) is competition from online shopping. People go into these shops to get some ideas then go away and buy it online, ...cheaper... And perhaps they were selling tat?
But yet another shop blaming the GMs... How long does it take to buy a lamp? More than 30 minutes? If the shop owners down that end of town think it would be better with one or two hours they should get the council to change the signs. But the logic for me is to get drivers to pop in then out again and create turnover rather than kill off parking spaces by being parked there for ages...
After studying this and your previous postings, Mr Spartacus, I have come to the conclusion that you work for West Berkshire Council. Probably in their Highways Department, judging by your knowledge of things highways related.
The GM's as you call them caused lots of the regulars to desert Bart Street because of the tactics being employed at the behest of the parking supremo who refuses to take any phone calls from mere mortals who request to speak to him.
I understand that the appraisals have just been undertaken for the new staff following their first 2 years on the job. I have been told that those with the best appraisal are those who issue the largest number of tickets and in consequence raise the highest revenues, regardless of how many of these tickets are challenged.
The parking regime in West Berks has similarities to the Gestapo as has been intimated in other posts.
I"m sure that Mr. Bennett has had to make a tough decision,and its not easy,after many decades of business in Bart. ST.,and knowing "TUB" in his sporting days,he never gave in without a jolly good fight[as in our 1971 semi-final match in the old Corn Exchange]....so lets say thanks for the service,but farewell now,...last one out SWITCH OFF THE LIGHT.
After studying this and your previous postings, Mr Spartacus, I have come to the conclusion that you work for West Berkshire Council. Probably in their Highways Department, judging by your knowledge of things highways related.
Close but no cigar..... If you've read my previous posts (going back a way now - to the days of VBird and his Maserati and his constant carping about the state of roads etc... (On reflection I may have had a different name then as I think this site went tits up a year or more ago.) ..) I admitted then to having worked for the council in highways (I still do).... just not THIS one...!! It's very close though, a reasonable commute... I've worked for a number of them actually. I've LIVED in the area for years. I just don't work here...
As for my knowledge on highways related matters... it doesn't take the brains of an archbishop to Google some 'instant knowledge' these days to make yourself out to be cleverer than you actually are.... I think even you might manage to do that!
Anyway I just stick my oar in occasionally when it warrants a comment.. and to me allowing 30 minutes in a town centre is better than 1 hour as small traders generally want to get some rapid turnover of shoppers through their front doors.... (That's not 'highways' that's just logical)
Not according to the NWN. The owner mentioned a general downturn in the economy and lack of support for this end of the town. Only an idiot wouldn't employ someone to replace the retiree if it was still a successful business.
It's pretty obvious when council staff post as they are so rabidly pro the most ridiculous council rubbish.
Sure it's not just people that have a differing opinion to your own? I can't imagine for a second that all those on here who don't take every opportunity to slag off WBC are council employees.
I know everyone thinks that User is WBC, but I can't think that anyone else's posts have been so pro-council to make me think that they are WBC people.
Sure it's not just people that have a differing opinion to your own? I can't imagine for a second that all those on here who don't take every opportunity to slag off WBC are council employees.
I know everyone thinks that User is WBC, but I can't think that anyone else's posts have been so pro-council to make me think that they are WBC people.
Well you often have a different opinion to mine, but I tend not to think that you work for WBC.
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If you've read my previous posts (going back a way now - to the days of VBird and his Maserati and his constant carping about the state of roads etc... 
I've worked for a number of them actually. I've LIVED in the area for years. I just don't work here...
