A TRADER in Melksham has called on Wiltshire Council to introduce free parking in the town while work continues on the town bridge.
Sue Tweedie who owns Upper Cut Clothing in the High Street says her takings have fallen by over 50% since the work started on the town bridge which she feels is driving shoppers away from the town.
She says that small independent businesses like hers are suffering and that Wiltshire Council should introduce free parking in an attempt to increase footfall in the town.
Sue said, “It has been so difficult since the work started and I think Wiltshire Council should do something to give small independents in the town a chance. I understand the work on the bridge needs to be done, but we had no warning it was going to happen and the impact has been huge. I don’t hold out much hope that Wiltshire Council will do anything, but wouldn’t it be a great boost to the town?
“I encourage people to use the town and support our local shops.”
Wiltshire Council were invited to respond but Melksham News hadn’t received a response at the time of going to print.
