Shopkeeper calls on MPs and councillors to spend time in town
THE owner of one of Wokingham’s long-established business is calling on elected representatives to do something more to save the town.
Michael Flint, the owner of Wokingham Decor, is challenging MP Sir John Redwood, Liberal Democrat candidate Clive Jones and the leader of Wokingham Borough Council, Stephen Conway, to spend time in the town, and to talk to business owners and shopkeepers to see the realities of running an independent business in Wokingham town centre.
His family business has been operating in Peach Street for more than 30 years, and he said now is the worst he’s seen it from a business perspective.
He told Wokingham Today: “Levels of business in my shop declined significantly last April when Wokingham Borough Council introduced the new parking charges.
“The council is adamant that footfall in Wokingham hasn’t declined as a result, but their version of events is miles away from what I am experiencing.”
He remained critical of what he described as “over zealous” parking enforcement offices who, he said, are driving people away from the town.
“I urge those in charge to come and spend just time in the town, talking to businesses and seeing first hand, what is really happening in our town,” he added.
Changes are afoot for two more businesses in Wokingham.
TG Art Gallery in Peach Street has announced that Saturday, February 10 will be its last day in the town after opting not to renew a five-year lease.
Emma Newbury, owner of the business, told Wokingham Today she hoped to continue the picture framing part of her operations, but likely not in the town centre.
She said: “We never really recovered from the pandemic.
“The cost of living crisis hasn’t helped, but I believe the council could have done more to help.”
And Maison Rustic in Bush Walk will be moving at Easter, as well as undergoing a rebranding.
Proprietor Georgina HustlerSutton told Wokingham Today she will be moving into the premises formerly occupied by Beyond the Download in Rose Street.
She said footfall had declined noticeably since Wokingham Borough Council introduced its new parking charges in April 2023.
“I really believe in Wokingham and, hopefully, our move and rebranding to ‘Giftology’ will be supported by Wokingham shoppers.”
Elsewhere in Wokingham, improvements are currently being carried out at 1 Old Row Court.
Previously home to Maythers card shop, the premises have now been leased by Connection Chiropractic.
Owners of the clinic, husband and wife team Giselle van Niekerk and Dean Rieder, told Wokingham Today they are planning to open their new business on Monday, March 4.