BUSINESS owners have pleaded for help this week in a desperate attempt to save part of Banbury.
There are now ten empty units in High Street and remaining traders are calling on Cherwell District Council for support.
They want the council to improve parking by the Cross and Fine Lady statue to encourage shoppers to spend cash at that end of the town and to put pressure on the Government’s Valuation Office to reduce rates.
Roy Thomas, who runs High Street-based Cash Converters, said: “The council really needs to ask what it wants from High Street. At the moment we are paying ludicrous prices and we feel that we have been sold down the river.”
Mick Adkins, owner of The Secret Garden flower shop in High Street, said: “There is not a lot wrong with the High Street – the problem is that all the parking is at one end of town and the area that used to be available for parking is now taken up by taxis.”
And Caffe Nero manager Hannah White said: “The council does need to address the rates and make sure shops stay on the High Street. A year ago it was great but now it looks like a ghost town.”
What can be done to boost Banbury High Street? Post your comments here.
