Bring back two-way traffic plea

 

More than 20 traders issued a stark warning at a lively Business Forum meeting organised by Welshpool Town Council, with a provision for bus parking also high on their save-the-town-centre wishlist.

 

The Forum, which was formed following the closure of the town’s chamber of commerce, heard that businesses were suffering, shops were closing and shoppers were turning their backs on the town in growing numbers.

 

But the businesses are fighting back and have called on Powys County Council to reinstate two-way traffic in Union Street and will ask for the introduction of free parking in all car parks along with the return of coach parking bays on the Spar Car Park.

 

Officials made urgent contact with County Councillor David Jones who has been tasked by the county council to head a working party looking at the effect of the one-way system on the town.

 

Councillor Jones said Powys County Council was planning to launch a consultation document for all Welshpool businesses.

 

David Davies said his Hall Street pet shop business was suffering. “Since the one-way system was introduced we have lost 60% of our business. If a new pet shop opens on the Tesco site we will be forced out of business. It’s pretty close now.”

 

Carol Morgan-Thomas of Poppys florists said fewer people were coming into the town centre. “I have watched bus loads go to Tesco to use their toilet facilities and shop and I have lost customers who say they no longer come to Welshpool because they don’t like the road system and can’t park.”

 

Rhian Humphreys said she had been forced to close Revells restaurant but was still having to pay rates even though the building was not in use.

 

“We are being crippled,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it when I was told we would get only three months grace and then return to full payment.

 

“People have stopped coming into the town centre. We may have lost parking spaces in Church Street but Berriew Road Car Park is only half full at peak times. People are using the free car parking facility at Tesco.”

 

Alan Ballard of Ballard’s Garage said his fuel trade had dried up. “Since the one-way system opened people can’t get to us and have gone elsewhere,” he said. “The High Street will die unless something is done about this system.”

 

Forum chairman Steve Kaye said he had heard that coach companies were avoiding Welshpool. “I have also been told that Caravan Club members are being advised to find alternative routes.”

 

Town Clerk Robert Robinson said the Town Council had been misled over the Tesco parking situation.

 

“When we saw the original plans they included a ‘pay and display’ service but somewhere in the negotiation process this was changed to free parking.”

 

Councillor Alan Crowe said the return of the coach bays was essential. “I am working on a scheme to offer incentives to coach drivers to bring their passengers into the town centre.”