07/10/2025
This is very true, we don’t normally comment on local issues but, small businesses need to be supported and helped in the local area.
A post on Spotted Witney has prompted us to write this. Sorry it’s long!
Following the substitution of short term parking (half an hour) to disabled along the whole stretch of Market Square, many people refused to believe that ourselves, Sandwich de Witney and the likes, had lost trade.
We constantly had the comments that a few parking spaces could not have made that much difference.
Let’s look at Greggs. Greggs is a constant subject of complaint about the parking outside whilst people run in, pick up their lunch etc and run back out.
We are not saying this is correct, yes it is illegal parking, so please do not comment reminding us of this. It is not our point.
The point is that many people like to stop and call into a business, then get on their way. Please do not comment that these people are lazy, or could use the nearby free parking. That is not our point either. People shop in different ways, people have different amounts of time available. This type of customer exists.
This type of customer used the parking in Market Square to pop to the bank, visit the market, pick up a baguette, a coffee or to buy a shake etc.
The parking for them did not cause a traffic issue, as is happening outside Greggs. It was fine and legal. A turnover of customers every 30 minutes, or usually less over our working day. This part of the street is not suitable for many disabled people, and is often half empty. In the new plans the disabled and all parking is being removed. Maybe we could have kept the trade for those 5 years!
Krazy Kim has done her own survey on Greggs! Cars constantly change outside. People constantly come out their door with their goodies. See photo! Lucky Greggs.
We just wanted to remind any doubters of the effect of the road closure. There was, is and we believe will be a negative effect on our business.
We will be challenging our business rates as we no longer feel we hold a place on a ‘High Street’.
If you used to visit us more before the closure/ removal of the parking or now no longer stop by, please could you let us know by dm.
Please support our little shop as we enter our quiet season as times are tough for small independents.
Thank you for reading.