Cheltenham has long enjoyed a reputation for being a dynamic retail centre. Historically this impression was gained by a strong collection of reputable and smart shops along Cheltenham’s Promenade; independent stores with their own loyal clientele and following.

But Cheltenham’s retail economy has flourished as a result of the enterprise and energy of generations of small, independent shopkeepers. Shopping parades across the town have seen a diverse range of local shops providing more choice than one big supermarket. These local shops importantly have brought more to their neighbourhoods than value and quality. They also give our localities a sense of character and a sense of community.

But according to the New Economics Foundation, over 30,000 independent shops closed down in Britain between 1995 and 2000. These lost shops include grocers, butchers, pubs and post offices. These shops are the glue which binds our communities together - and we are losing them fast.

And in 2008, 27 small Public Houses a week in Britain are being closed down and lost, robbing communities of regular meeting places and social interaction.

Regrettably Cheltenham is not immune from these trends. Many small independent and family-run shops are disappearing from our shopping areas. In their place come the retail giants – or in some cases nothing at all. Cheltenham’s upper High Street, once famous for its family-run businesses, is in danger of resembling a ‘Clone Town’; a street like any other in Any Town.

In 1997 Cheltenham enjoyed a network of 18 Post Office branches. By 2008 10 of those had been lost completely.

But there is much that can be done. Over a decade ago, Marylebone High Street in Central London was a faded shopping street with 51 empty shops. Now it is renowned as one of the most popular shopping areas in the whole country.

We believe Cheltenham Borough Council can be an important agent in helping small, local retailers. We are calling upon the Council to undertake a number of additional steps to urgently Save Our Small Shops. If you are a shopkeeper or a concerned customer, please sign the petition on the right to register your support.


For further information, please email info@saveoursmallshops.org.uk