Scott Mann has criticised Cornwall Council for its apparent failure to consult Bodmin businesses ahead of plans to close roads in the town centre for a new Shared Space scheme.
Although Scott approves of the scheme in principle, he believes businesses have been let down by a lack of consultation over what the road closures will entail, and now calls on the local authority to waive business rates and introduce free car parking to make sure trade continues into the town centre.
Upon hearing reports that roads in the town were going to be closed for up to 9 months, Scott and his office met with local business owners to discuss the closures and potential action that could be taken to avoid loss of trade for shops in the town centre.
Scott Mann said:
“Business owners have approached me in recent weeks who are not only concerned about the impact these closures may have on their trade, but also feeling let down by Cornwall Council for a lack of consultation.
“Closing the roads in and around the town – which are the life blood of local shops – will undoubtedly see a fall in trade and potential closures. Although this scheme will be a great boost for Bodmin including the businesses concerned, they still have to be catered for during the works of the project.
“I want to see Cornwall Council waive business rates for those affected and introduce some free parking. Anything which can attract trade is welcome, and it’s only right that we support our local businesses.”
After meeting with local business owners, Scott had an emergency meeting in Parliament with the Minister for Local Government, Marcus Jones, to discuss the situation in Bodmin and what can be done to help local businesses.
The Minister visited Bodmin last year to see the Shared Space proposals, and has assured Scott that Cornwall Council has the ability to waive business rates, of which half the cost will be met by central government.
Further to this, Scott is also calling on Cornwall Council to introduce free car parking so people have the opportunity to park for a length of time free of charge.