'Bemused' (From Penarth Times)

'Bemused'

9:50am Thursday 2nd July 2009

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ONCE again I am bemused by the responses from traders to the town’s car parking problems and associated resolution proposals, such as those published in the Penarth Times (June 18).

Although I much value the services provided by many of our local shops, I despair of the often tardy and unimaginative reactions to trading problems over many years, which started with the establishment of huge grocery supermarkets on the outskirts of our town (which everyone with an ounce of brainpower could foresee would inevitably challenge the prosperity and very lifeblood of all shopkeepers in the town, unless they responded and immediately "raised their game").

Latterly ne’er a whimper of protest was heard regarding the intrusion into the town of one of the most rapacious octopuses, whose obvious long term strategy is to dominate every small town in the land.

Yes, one such supermarket has a huge car park for our busy townsfolk to make their weekly shopping trip - but why cave in? And why meekly protest at suggestions to create one way systems and thus add an extra few car parking spaces?

Why not start thinking ‘outside the box’? Cut through the Gordian Knot of car parking problems in Penarth.

The traders, apart from one of our butchers Mr Lush, who seized the opportunity to set out picnic tables and chairs outside his establishment in Glebe Street, objected to the pedestrianisation of parts of our town centre, claiming loss of trade.

To be fair, one waited in vain for our town manager to arrange possible street entertainment to woo the public and seduce them from their love affair with the car.

Why not recognise the real problem – the car – and that there is never going to be a final solution to establishing sufficient car parking facilities in our town, with ever increasing car ownership nationwide?

Towns are built for people, not cars.

Establish a Park and Ride Scheme, using a fleet of shuttle mini buses, from Cosmeston, the Cliff Tops and other vantage points around the outskirts of Penarth, to bring people and their shopping back from a pedestrianised town centre between 9am and 6pm.

And open up the town to pleasant and leisurely life, rather than the rage filled scramble for a car parking space.

One more tip for our traders. Where are all the chairs in stores gone?

Once upon a time in Penarth, elderly and disabled shoppers would be sure to find a facility in nearly every shop.

"No room", they cry. "We need the extra shelf space to display our goods."

If traders want our money they should show more compassion, particularly with an ageing population.

I used to have to park my car alongside the pavement in Windsor Road so my disabled late wife could enjoy the pleasure of chatting to passers-by through the lowered window.

People’s concerns and welfare, not profit only, should be paramount in any society. Why not Penarth?

Mike Ford Rectory Road Lane Penarth

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