The letter from retailers

WE are fully aware that Wokingham town centre needed to be regenerated, but sadly it has caused considerable disruption, and currently is not conducive to attracting existing, and new footfall to local businesses. Especially as the regeneration of Bracknell Town centre is nearing completion.

The availability, and vast range of quality stores in Bracknell offer the ideal shopping experience. We all agree the Wokingham shopping experience has become very stale in recent years, and something needed to be done.

It is our clear understanding that when a town undergoes a major regeneration, not refurbishment, that there is a period of adjustment in the rates payable to support local businesses, who are trying to survive this period, commonly known as the localism act.

We request your rationale regarding no financial support to enable local businesses to survive this most difficult trading period. We would also ask what amount of money was originally programmed in to your budget to help us pay our business rates, and rent.

Many businesses are struggling, and saying sorry is just not good enough. We want, and expect to pay no business rates. We would point out that Wokingham Borough Council would have known about the disruption caused to businesses three years ago to Boots, Clarks shoes, John Wood Sports, and Strange the jewellers when scaffolding was placed in front of their buildings, and for a year, and a half, 50% was given off their business rates.

What did you expect to happen during the regeneration? We should have had relief from when the work started to completion.

You have offered to pay for the services of Vail Williams in dealing with the Valuation Office, which is a long and complicated process, what you fail to say is that we have to give them 25% of what they save us.

Vitality Health Foods, Timpsons, Snappy Snaps, Funtastic Toys, Coast To Coast, Anytime Fitness, The Red Lion, Haringtons Hairdressers, John Bell Carpets, Hollywood Nails, The Grape Escape, The Gig House, Designs For Living, Toni & Guy, Wokingham Tandoori, Wellington Jewellers, Inspirations

Hair Salon, Leightons Opticians, Pure Bliss, TG Art Gallery, Wokingham Decor, The Flower Corner Wokingham, Zara Kitchen Design, Dollshouse Boutique, Oslar, Strange The Jewellers, Country Dry Cleaners, The Duke’s Head, The Crispin, Rossini Restaurant, Kerry Roberts, Stitchery Do, Kaanaanmaa, The Retreat, Aroma, Jay Printers, H20, Ruby Rose Beauty