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Plans to create a business improvement district (BID) in Spalding were supported by some traders to save the ‘dying’ town.
Spalding Business Board has outlined its plans to boost the fortunes of the town, which could include the creation of the BID when firms pay a levy to fund improvements.
A previous attempt to start a BID had been rejected during a vote over a decade ago – but now this new business-led attempt is gaining ground.
Long-standing trader Sue Stubley, who runs Occasions Jewellers in Bridge Street, says something need to happen.
She told the meeting: “I am for the BID. The town needs the money to grow. We are dying slowly, bit by bit. We need to bring people back to the town.
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“Yes people are pushing for cafe culture and shops. The two go together. Stamford has equal amounts of cafe culture and good shops. Without the good shops we are not going to get the people.”
Nathan Marshall said: “We are happy to pay the subsidy and be involved. We know it is going to take time, between now and then so we can get a group of people together to come together and try to do something now. Another six to eight months and it is not going to get better.”
Oliver Sneath, of The Sessions House, said: “I am all for the BID and I think it is great. In terms of Spalding Business board everything seems to focus on the day time economy in the town centre. Has there been a move to talk about the nighttime economy.”
He was told that no-one from the nighttime economy had come to previous meeting but would be welcomed.
Chairman of Spalding Civic Society John Bland said he was excited about the potential of this project to help raise the fortunes of the ‘brilliant town’.
South Holland District Council leader Nick Worth said: “I am really inspired with the work of the Spalding Business Board and felt that it was good that businesses are driving this.”
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He said the council is working on a project to improve the public realm and that he wants to get gazebos to give a uniformed feel for the market.
Coun Worth added: “For me the town centre is really important, town centres right across the country are changing dramatically not just about retail, but food and leisure and people wanting to enjoy themselves.
“We really need to talk up the town if we want it to be successful.”
Retail director of Springfields Simon Stone outlined the impact that Springfields can bring to the town.
He said: “We are a major local asset and attract 2-3million visitors from a wider catchment.
“Springfields really is very much part of South Holland. Town centres up and down the country are struggling, it’s tough. We have our own challenges as well but we are really keen to work with you and bring some of the customers we bring to the region to the town centre.”
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