We believe there is no inevitability about the constant closure of small independent shops and businesses. Napoleon commented that we were a nation of small shopkeepers and it continues today. Many inspirational entrepreneurs work hard to start businesses. They could get more help sustaining those businesses.
- Fund a fulltime retail champion for Cheltenham
We believe this would help and are calling for a fulltime retail champion, to act as a voice for Cheltenham’s small shopkeepers. The voluntary Trade Associations are important, but they are made up of hardworking shopkeepers. They need fulltime support. And the Cheltenham Business Partnership has to deal with all businesses – with little extra capacity to devote solely to our smaller shopkeepers.
- Create a clear strategy
We believe we need a clear strategy to Save Our Small Shops. The local council must set out a vision for each shopping area: we can't support them if we don't know the challenges they are facing. This strategy must be informed by the retailers themselves.
- Give customers better parking
We believe parking charges often drive people to shop out of the town and into retail parks or big supermarkets, thereby increasing emissions and hurting local shops. We believe that local councils should provide free 20 minute parking in local shopping areas. This is enough time for local shoppers to "nip in and nip out".
What can YOU do?
The easiest way of supporting Cheltenham’s small shops is to sign our petition now. This will enable us to demonstrate local need for supporting our small shopkeepers to the local council and bring together with one voice all those people who value our community shops.
You can also change your shopping habits to ensure you regularly use local shops. Why not take extra time on your weekly shop to call in to a local independent shop and see what they have on offer?
You may want to recommend a favourite local shop by using the feedback form on this website. Recommended shops will feature in campaign updates and the ‘News update’ section of the website under Cheltenham’s Retail Roll of Honour.
To find out more about ‘Save Our Small Shops Campaign’, please sign up for updates here.
