Business chiefs back ‘brilliant’ shop scheme

Business leaders in the have welcomed London plans to push for protection to local, independent stores as a “brilliantly innovative” idea which could strengthen Westcountry communities.

The London Assembly is asking Mayor Boris Johnson to lead the way on changes to local, regional and national planning policies to ensure smaller-scale shops such as bakers and butchers are protected.

Yesterday, Nigel Eadie, chairman of the Tavistock Chamber of Commerce, said such a plan was “long overdue”.

He said: “It’s brilliantly innovative and it would be a tremendous help. At the moment, small businesses have to compete with chains, and it’s a wonder so many of them survive. They’re not competing on similar footings at all. This is a brilliant idea, and I’m sure it would have great applicability to the Westcountry.”

The chamber is leading the way on trying to turn Tavistock into a Business Improvement District. If a vote of all traders is passed, they will have to pay an extra one per cent on top of their business rates, which will be used to improve the whole community in a manner decided by contributors.

Falmouth is also looking at signing up to the system. The town is particularly fortunate, with a thriving independent scene which makes up 70 per cent of the shop economy. Town centre manager Richard Gates said smaller businesses were crucial to creating the “quirky” atmosphere that customers love, but he said some chains were important to increase overall footfall. He said: “It’s not right that the smaller stores have to compete with chains. In areas where independents are forced out, clearly any help they can be given is positive.”

Liz Peace, chief executive of the British Property Federation, said it was “sensible” to allow councils to decide on the mix of retail offering. But she said: “If locals really want to use their local shops and they provide good service and sell the right products, they will survive. A big part of that is making sure we don’t continue to pile tax burdens onto landlords and retailers at a time when many are already struggling.”

Jenny Jones, deputy chairman of the London Assembly’s planning and housing committee, said: “People in residential areas need local shops that provide essential services that they can walk to. They do not need rows of betting shops and internet cafes.”