Watford’s MP has called for more support for the businesses based on the Meriden following a meeting with local business owners.
Shop owners have been requesting support with issues such as parking, loading bays and better wheelchair access following the parade of shops being moved from The Gossamers to York Way as part of the wider Meriden Regeneration Project. Watford Community Housing appointed Mulalley to help deliver the regeneration scheme.
Dean Russell said “It is vital that all interested parties ensure the businesses are supported. Footfall has fallen dramatically due to the on-going works and lack of customer parking. They are struggling with tasks that should be simple, such as moving stock into their store. All of the shop keepers that I spoke to have informed me of a sharp downturn in revenue.
Whilst I appreciate the scheme is a significant project for the area and construction remains on-going, the businesses that help to support the local economy cannot be neglected whilst the works are on-going. They continue to meet their rent commitments whilst bringing in less custom due to the shops being far less easy to access than they were.
The lack of customer parking has also resulted in cars parking in residential bays, or parking in a way which limits visibility for pedestrians. I will be contacting all interested parties as a matter of urgency to organise a round-table to allow the business owners to put their concerns to those in charge of this project.”
