York Indies Fight Back
Posted on 1 Feb 2012
According to recent Government figures, a third of high streets are ‘degenerating or failing.'
It is these figures that prompted the Government to commission retail expert, Mary Portas, to carry out a high street review, and consequently produce a report detailing her recommendations for revitalising the UK high street.
The 28 point report, including the suggestion that every out-of-town development should be reviewed to ensure they will not damage local towns, has had backing from local authorities and businesses across the UK (read all 28 recommendations here.)
However, just one week after the review was published a proposal to double the size of an out-of-town retail park in York is being considered by the local council, despite it being contradictory to the Portas report. Independent retailers in the area are fighting to convince the authorities that it will be detrimental to the local community.
As a member of the newly formed Bishopthorpe Road Traders Association (BRTA,) which represents a number of independent shops in the area, Andy Shrimpton of Cycle Heaven has expressed his views regarding the proposed development plans.
Speaking to the local press, Andy stated "Such a development represents a very large structural change to the physical and economic geography of the city, which cannot fail to have an impact on every shopping street in York. Strong local businesses are not going to just sit back and watch the periphery of York get colonised by their competitors - they are going to relocate. This will be very bad for the city centre and for neighbourhood shopping areas. What makes York such a great place to live is the fact that it's a compact city composed of neighbourhoods, with shops and amenities close to where people live. Many local shopping streets, like Bishopthorpe Road are crucial to neighbourhood vitality, providing natural anchor points for community and social activity as well as economic benefits."
Andy has also recently written an article for the local York press highlighting further the issues an out-of-town development will bring to a local community. Read the article in full here.
How can ActSmart help?
ActSmart welcome the changes that have been recommended, having been involved with the research for the high street review as representatives of independent retailers. In addition to supporting the Portas review, ActSmart aim to help retailers with initiatives designed to increase sales, reduce costs and promote shops to thousands of new consumers. Click here to read more about how ActSmart can help your business in 2012.
Mary Portas seeks struggling shops
If you are a struggling independent shop, Mary Portas wants to hear from you. The 'Queen of Shops' is returning to our screens with a new series and is looking for independent retailers to take part. Click here to read more.
