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I wandered along the High Road in North Finchley to remind the traders to send their parking review questionnaires back to the council. Lo and behold yet another coffee shop has closed down. The second in two months. Now you might think I would be pleased bearing in mind I own (well the bank does) Cafe Buzz along the same High Road, but let me assure I was alarmed and deeply upset by this. An indication of how hard it is to make any money in an area which is fast becoming a ghost town as a direct result of the ridiculously expensive parking charges and stupidly complicated method of payment imposed by Barnet Council towards the latter part of this year.
I knew both cafe owners. Honest hard working people who invested money in their businesses, both remortgaging their homes to set up, now facing possible financial ruin.
I have spent an incredible amount of time petitioning the council on this matter over the past 9 months, it will be over a year since they introduced this system before they actually do something, if at all. How many more businesses will close down before something is done?
This review is of course a complete waste of time and a really bad PR exercise. They know at the council what the issues are. Simply too expensive and unusable. I, and many many residents and traders throughout the borough have been telling them this since day one. The solution. Make it cheaper make it easier to use. What exactly is the point of the review?
Problem and solution. How difficult can it be?
A waste of time and resources.
I wonder Whether Barnet Council has a hidden agenda.
The extension of Brent Cross is in conflict with national policy of promoting the high street. There is usually a sweetener for granting planning permission...
We cant get away from people wanting to go to Brent Cross and of course it can be useful, so our town centres need to be attractive and on an equal playing field. Brent Cross enjoys easy access and free parking.
Our town centres are becoming increasingly run down. Most of the businesses along the high road are small and independent. We invest lots of time and our own money on our shops. We employ local people and contribute to the local economy. Our rent,rates and expenses have increased, and our ability to make a living has been taken away by the short sighted and ignorant out of touch Barnet Council.
When a local business fails and closes down there is a real human cost.
Mary Portas and Jack Straw have made it absolutely clear that town centres should be encouraged. Ms Portas has actually said that he government should stop paying lip service and action should be taken NOW otherwise there is no point to her work.
The mood amongst shoppers and traders are at an all time low.
Make the High Road easily accessible and cheap to visit. Create a community again, locally. Watch people come back.
Give the traders a fighting chance.
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Helen Michael is a local business owner and spokesperson for Barnet Traders fair parking campaign.
Guest blogs are always welcome
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