Traders to be 'resilient' over car park closure

Retailers in a town "really hope" the closure of a car park won't lead to a major drop in trade.

St Stephen's multi-storey in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, which has 446 spaces, is shut for three months for urgent repairs.

"I hope people come out and support local shops," said Sally Percival, manager of JMS Carpets and Flooring near the car park. "Footfall at the moment isn't great, so I really hope the closure doesn't impact us and other businesses."

Helen Belcher, of Wiltshire Council, is exploring options which could support the town. She said: "We know there will be some disruption, it is inevitable...and some people will be upset about losing free parking for three months."

Sally Percival hopes people in Trowbridge will still support businesses in town

Over at La Bella Vita Coffee shop on Castle Street, Angelo Scannu says he will take the closure of the multi-storey one day at a time.

He said: "Luckily for me I don't live far away so I don't need to worry about parking.

"But other people will be affected. There is already traffic in the town centre and people will be looking to find other places to park."

Mr Scannu added he hopes his coffee shop will stay "resilient" over the coming months thanks to his loyal customers.

Ms Belcher said Wiltshire Council is listening to concerns from within the community. She added: "As a council we are looking at other options, such as if we can offer spaces for free elsewhere or offer discounts, but we haven't found a solution just yet."

Wider future

Angelo Scannu says people will be searching for alternative places to park

On 7 October, Wiltshire Council's cabinet will vote on the wider future of St Stephen's after an agreement was made, in principle, to transfer its freehold to the owner of the nearby Castle Place Shopping Centre.

The transfer could preserve the wider future of the ageing car park, but there is one concern to local people. That's whether free parking, which is currently offered at St Stephen's, will continue.

Fred Roland, walking through Town Park with wife Chris, said: "It should stay free parking. I think it's important if you want people to come into town and spend their money. It's a no-brainer isn't it."

Jodie Morris-Myles is disabled and uses the car park with her family.

There is a three hour free parking window at a nearby car park by Cineworld in Trowbridge, but she says this won't suit families looking to have an entire day out in the town.

She added: "If they're wanting to keep the town centre alive, I think the car park should be kept free."

Chris and Fred Roland say a free parking option is important for Trowbridge's town centre

And Lou Harris, who has lived in Trowbridge for 36 years, added: "This is the county town of Wiltshire and it's getting a bit dead here. If there are less parking options, it does take away the accessible options for people looking to come into town."

The free-parking arrangement at the ageing St Stephen's car park, which is near several restaurants and a cinema, comes from a 1974 Deed of Covenant.

Ms Belcher says while she understands people's desire for the multi-storey to remain free, the council needs to think about the "long-term interest" for Trowbridge.

She added: "Given the age and condition of the structure, we need to consider all the options available to us."