Get behind our campaign to promote Penarth's high street shops

The 'Your High Street: Use it or lose it' campaign is aiming to encourage more people to shop at independent businesses in Penarth.

The town has a reputation for an array of small boutiques, with the primary shopping areas based around Windsor Road, Stanwell Road and Glebe Street.

But one of the main issues raised by residents and traders over the last few years is a lack of suitable car parking provision.

There were attempts to combat the issue with a business improvement district (BID) proposed several years ago.

Its aim was to provide better parking and accessibility, along with marketing and promotion, a strong independents sector, and lower business costs in the town centre.

It also aimed to give local traders a stronger voice and hoped to raise £425,000 to invest over the space of five years, but local businesses overwhelmingly voted to reject it.

It was proposed the BID funding would have come from a levy equivalent to two per cent of a business’ rateable value, and have been controlled by an independent company run by Penarth businesses, but of those polled 65 per cent called it an "unnecessary expense".

The ballot cost £5,000 to run and needed 50 per cent of businesses to vote in favour.

There were also attempts to re-launch the town's Chamber of Trade but this was also unsuccessful.

Peter Knowles, the former chair of the Penarth Chamber of Trade, co-owns Hamptons on Ludlow Lane and Shore on The Esplanade, along with Andy Bradshaw.

The former is celebrating its 11th anniversary, with the latter now into its second year.

Mr Knowles said: "Penarthians have a fantastic loyalty to their independent businesses.

"There is a mix between day-to-day shops and new boutique stores.

"The offering is superb and it acts as a draw to bring more people in."

But he was among those to say that parking was the main issue when it came to people using the high street.

"With the absence of dedicated car parking it is important that the parking we do have is monitored," he added.

Mr Knowles said that signage and the marketing of the town are also areas where more work can be done.

Fellow trader Richard Snell, of A.B. Snell and Sons, agreed that parking is a major issue.

The shop is the oldest family run business in the town having been trading for 56 years.

Mr Snell said: "There are a number of businesses where they park outside their shop all day.

"I realise parking is difficult but it denies potential customers for them and other businesses getting parking spaces."

Speaking about the benefits of shopping at local independent businesses, he said that the personal service levels and employment of local people are key benefits.

"We buy from private local companies if we can because it keeps money in the town," he added.

"Penarth still has an identity with a lot of quirky little businesses but it's just about telling people that they are here."

Mel Griffin owns the bookshop Griffin Books on Windsor Road.

She said: "Penarth has an increasingly great mix of independent shops and businesses, and by supporting them you get unbeatable personal service as well as unique and interesting products that you won't find elsewhere.

"More and more people are making a conscious effort to do all their shopping locally, and that's good for them, good for the community and good for the environment."

Penarth Town Council launched a late night shopping initiative in the town in 2014 which took place again last year.

The aim was to encourage residents to shop locally in the run up to Christmas.

The reaction was mixed with some traders having a really successful evening, but others reporting that they did not get the passing trade.

A spokeswoman for Penarth Town Council said: "We are very supportive of the town's high streets and range of businesses.

"We know how much hard work goes into them. The council is looking forward to finding new ways to provide support."

Our 'Your High Street: Use it or lose it' campaign will be focusing on different Penarth businesses each week and looking to highlight the advantages of shopping locally and the challenges facing the high street locally.

South Wales Central assembly member Andrew RT Davies recently voiced his support for the Vale's independent shops.

"Across the Vale, our high streets play a vital role in the local economy, and it is vital we do all we can to support them," he said.

"In towns including Penarth, small business owners and their staff work incredibly hard."

This week local retailers are meeting together to make plans for the Christmas season, including late night shopping evenings and how they can support Penarth's lights switch-on celebration.

We are keen to hear your ideas about how to help save and improve our high streets.

Whether you are a shopper, a trader or anyone with an interest in conserving our high street scene, we want to to hear from you.

If you would like to get involved in the campaign, contact our reporter Anthony Lewis by calling 07760215094 or emailing alewis@penarthtimes.co.uk with your thoughts.