Sir Gavin Williamson joined the Stone Traders Group, a collective of local vendors and businesses, to discuss his campaign to bring life back to the High Street.
Sir Gavin met with representatives from the group as well as owners of businesses on the High Street. The Stone Traders Group is made up of local stores and restaurants in Stone. Its focus is to restore the health of small businesses and promote more activity in Stone Town Centre.
They discussed ways to revitalise the High Street, including an initiative that Sir Gavin has previously suggested to Stafford Borough Council, introducing 2 hours of free parking in Stone town centre. The Stone Traders were enthusiastic about Sir Gavin’s plans to launch a petition which will be presented to the Council.
Several owners were also concerned about anti-social behaviour and retail crime affecting their businesses, an issue that Sir Gavin has previously taken up with the former Home Secretary. Sir Gavin has confirmed that he will be working with Staffordshire Police to tackle retail crime and support local business owners.
Sir Gavin said: ‘It was great to meet with business owners on the High Street and hear ideas from the Stone Traders Group about how we can increase footfall in the town centre. I’m looking into a range of measures to boost activity along the High Street, including two hours of free parking which I have previously mentioned to Stafford Borough Council. I will be leading a campaign for this in the coming weeks to push the Council further and see this become a reality.’
Jamie Richards, Chairman of Stone Traders Group said: 'The introduction of 2 hours of free parking would be a tremendous boost for our high street traders. In an era where high streets are facing increasing competition from online shopping and out-of-town retail parks, making it easier and more convenient for people to visit our town centre is essential. Free parking would encourage more footfall, allowing customers to spend more time exploring our unique shops, cafes, and services. This initiative could make a real difference in revitalising our high street and supporting the local economy.'
