8:20am Wednesday 24th June 2009
PEOPLE who live and shop in Sidcup have been giving their views about planned improvements aimed at revitalising the town centre.
Traders in Sidcup have been meeting with Bexley Council in recent months, urging it to help to prevent the high street from falling into terminal decline.
The credit crunch has deepened the problem with the number of empty shops on the increase.
But more than 250 people turned out to an “open day” organised by the council in Sidcup High Street where councillors were able to talk through planned improvements, and get people’s views.
Some of the proposals involve improving the town centre’s street furniture such as benches, waste bins and signs.
Mike Lowe, vice chairman of the traders’ group, the Sidcup High Street Promotions Group, said one of the major issues facing the High Street was the lack of cheap or free parking.
He said: “There is a petition circulating on the issue, but the council do not seem very interested.
“Parking should not be a revenue collector for the council.
“First and foremost, it should be a service.
“It is essential if the high street is to survive, and some other town centres are already realising it.”
Mr Lowe said he is hoping Bexley will alter the parking regime in the town, to provide for some free parking periods.
He added: “Just offering free parking on odd Saturdays is not good enough.”
Mr Lowe also suggested the council might consider renting some of the empty sites in the town such as behind the Black Horse pub in the High Street, or a development site in Hatherley Road, as temporary free car parks.
He said the traders felt this could help bring people back to the town’s shops.
Mr Lowe added: “This is not just for the traders, it is about everyone.”
He said it was also important to smarten up the image of the town centre to attract new shops and shoppers into the town and new street furniture would help to improve Sidcup’s image.
There is still a chance for anyone who has not yet given their opinions, to do so.
Mr Lowe will be taking comments at his Sidcup Barber Shop in the High Street, for another week.
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