Save our shops call as downturn bites

Dave Hibbert . . . “Shops need help’

OLDHAM TOWN CENTRE PARTNERSHIP

URGENT action is needed to save local traders from going under as the credit crunch and adverse weather conditions take their toll.

Nicola Whitehead, owner of clothing boutique Demolition in Yorkshire Street, told members of the Oldham Town Centre Partnership that she is suffering her lowest ever turnover since the store opened in 1995.

She said: “It has never been so bad. I am barely covering my costs and it is getting very difficult to keep things going.

“Independent traders are dwindling away and I might find myself in that position if things continue this way.

“Something needs to be done very quickly. Passing trade is no longer there, Oldham has become like a ghost town.”

Councillor Dave Hibbert said: “It is crucial that smaller businesses are supported as they are the backbone of the town centre so it is essential that they survive.

“Rather than telling them what measures will be put into place, we should consult with them to find out what they think should be done to boost their profits.

“We don’t want to see empty shops as they make the town look run down and create a bad atmosphere, so let’s deal with the effects rather than the cause.

“We need short-term, immediate help rather than long-term plans that could take too long to take effect.”

On a more positive note, the Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre reported its lowest vacancy rate in five years with only 5 per cent of units standing empty.

Town Centre manager Mark Lester said: “Some traders are doing okay, others are not doing so well but this is not just about the credit crunch.

“The weather stopped many shopping so businesses missed out on their usual festive boost in profits which makes January and February seem even more tough.

“There are limits to what we can do but we are looking at various business support packages.

“Solving the problem is not as easy as simply reducing business rates as there is a long list of criteria to doing this. It is not a flexible, reactive beast.”