Despite all the bluster from Labour back in September that we would have big news by the end of last year regarding the regeneration of our High Street, we are still waiting. Meanwhile, our High Street decline is continuing to worsen.
Information revealed this week by our Councillor Paul Kelly shows that Labour, not content with Slough falling behind other local towns as a destination, “has [been hit] by the massive decline in retail ranking [to] 190th in 2019” according to the latest Javelin Venue Score research. Let that sink in – with Slough as the 47th most populous built-up area in the UK, Labour has resided over a fall of over 130 places in just 10 years.
Even more worrying is evidence from the council’s residents survey conducted at the end of 2018 that shows 81% of residents said the retail offer was poor or very poor, ‘overall appearance’ was rated poor or very poor by 82% and 64% didn’t bother to visit in the evenings at all. Labour has not only presided over a decline in our High Street but has suitably killed its evening economy too. Now we know why these results were not published by the council themselves.
Meanwhile we also learn that the council has applied for less than £1m from the government’s Future High Streets fund – to support yet more studies on how they should regenerate the town centre. Resident’s don’t need more studies - they need action. Furthermore, the survey also reveals strong support from residents for two of our manifesto pledges - free parking for residents in the town centre and street markets.
When it comes to a market, there are plenty of options for us to look at - using the High Street itself, as well as adjacent land that is not in use, such as that near to the square adjacent to Starbucks. Slough is a town of business - and what better way to support them and encourage business back to our High Street by offering Slough-based traders half-price pitch rental? And whilst Labour have offered free parking in the past with its failed scheme involving free parking after 3pm, which is useful for very few people, we would look to implement a scheme that offers 2-hour parking for residents only, as many other towns have across the UK successfully.
The time has come for Labour to admit that its approach has now been working for 10 years now, and we therefore call on the council to work with us on implementing these measures that have the support of residents as quickly as possible, because residents’ and local businesses want action now. Labour cannot keep on standing by and blaming the internet, there are things we could and should be doing to help breathe life into our High Street.
Lee Pettman - Candidate for Cippenham Green & Chairman, Slough Conservative Association
