Bodies criticised by independent trader
A businessman has criticised Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury BID for failing to support independent shops in Shrewsbury.
Graham Smith and his wife Nicola ran Finishing Touch Accessories on Wyle Cop but went in to liquidation in 2016 before 'the stress got too much'.
Graham said: "The Shrewsbury BID promised support for independents because 'they are what makes Shrewsbury unique'.
"However the result has been an uncontrolled influx of venture capital backed chains, aggressively discounting the market share, to the detriment of the independent businesses in the town.
"The riverside development plans look lovely, but again it moves the emphasis of the town away from the historic buildings to purpose built modern clones of every other town in the UK.
"Progress is essential and there are no guarantees in life. However, the risks for small businesses are growing out of all proportion, there are just too many to list here."
Mr Smith has approached Nic Laurens, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth for Shropshire Council, to ask the importance of footfall in the overall make up of the economic growth of the town and suggested that people coming in to town could be returning 'out of town' or 'online' purchases. "I would welcome some statistical evidence that the majority of Shrewsbury businesses benefitted financially," he added.
"Councillors, please take note, don't assume that your consultations are so poorly attended because we agree with you. We're working all hours running our businesses, managing the day to day challenges and dealing with the deluge of legislation from central government, the EU, and local authority, in order to raise money to pay for the increase in rates and pension contributions.
"Let me make it clear, I am sure that all the ideas are worthy of consideration and intended to benefit the town as a whole. I sincerely hope they do, but please, don't let it be at the expense of what we already have. It is very special."
Shropshire Council declined to comment.
