Traders fears drop in high street footfall

The selling of car parks has exacerbated residents’ fears for the city’s high street. Last month’s news that charges at Canterbury’s most popular car parks are to rise by 25% was met with anguish from traders, who worry the move could “destroy” the city’s retail sector.

Mark Pegg, head of business at The Brogue Trader, which works in partnership with Loake shoemakers, said: “If people are having to pay more, are they going to travel in?

“The biggest complaint we get from customers is the price of parking.”

Neil Munro, owner of The IT Store in Burgate, said the council was “shooting themselves in the foot”.

“If they are forcing people to pay more, people are not going to come in,” he said. “They’re more likely to go shopping online, which is going to destroy retail even more.”

News car parks are being

sold has reopened concerns for the high street, with many residents quick to express fears the move will deter people from shopping in the city centre. Commenting online, Joanne Nayler wrote: “The council is killing Canterbury.

“You can’t sell off car parks and close the park and rides. They seriously need some common sense injections... build some really affordable housing, boost the high street by lowering extortionate rents.”

But the city council’s leader maintains the authority is doing a lot to support city centre trade.

Cllr Fitter-harding said: “We’re doing a phenomenal amount to support Canterbury High Street through the £20m Levelling Up Fund bid we’re currently working on and will submit later this year, based on Canterbury’s Tales of England.

“We’re also spending millions from parking income and developer contributions regenerating St George’s Street, and working to unblock investment in the old Nasons and Debenhams sites that stalled due to issues with waste water nutrient neutrality. “Everything that this Conservative council is doing is setting the scene for growth and inward investment in our district, Canterbury high street included.”

Trader Mark Pegg