Coleford trader Ann Ingleby-Lewis says a change of policy on parking charges could revive Forest towns...before it is too late

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"The town of Coleford has its own unique charm, with a fine collection of small, mainly independent retailers, that are an important part of the community they serve.They know their customers by name, give a better service, and often better value than their big superstore competitors.

"Money is kept within the community too. A recent study suggests that £100 spent at a local business means nearly 70 per cent of that stays in the community, as opposed to just over 40 per cent if spent at a national company. Buying locally creates a smaller carbon footprint and a healthy and vibrant high street. 

"However, Coleford is facing a crisis. Retailers are worrying about their future, and in the national climate of economic decline, who can blame them? But now they must face another blow. The District Council's apparently misguided imposition of parking meter charges has meant a sudden sharp decline in income for most businesses in this lovely town. 

"What is to be done? The priority consideration must be to urgently find out why the recently busy car parks are now at least half-empty. We can give an educated guess that shoppers, always concerned about thrift, have either shunned the town altogether, or are parking for the minimum amount of time and racing back to their cars as soon as they have made that urgent purchase. 

"The traders of Coleford think it is a priority for the Council to organise a study of the situation. Firstly, they must consider the parking charges. If they really cannot be removed, then they must be restructured. For example, by making the 20p charge apply for the first two hours, or, ideally, free, thus enabling shoppers to make their essential purchases, browse – hopefully leading to further purchases – and still have time for a coffee and something to eat!

"By careful handling the Council could, if it acts fast, turn the situation around and the town could flourish again. 

"A recurring statement that's used frequently around our high streets and small towns at the moment is 'use it or lose it.' Whether you agree or disagree with the decisions made by our District Council, your local independents need your continued support – 'use it or lose it' has never been more relevant."