The festive cheer and bustling atmosphere of Clevedon's Hill Road are at risk, and local traders are fighting back. With Christmas just around the corner, these independent businesses are facing a potential threat to their livelihoods, and they're not going down without a fight.
A Battle for Clevedon's Soul
Hill Road, with its vibrant shops and iconic Victorian pier, is a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. But a proposal by North Somerset Council to introduce car parking charges has traders worried. They fear that charging for parking will deter customers, reduce footfall, and ultimately impact their ability to stay afloat.
"It's about more than just the shops," says Sandy Prater, owner of Fizz Gallery. "Clevedon is a community, and the mix of independent businesses is what makes us unique." Prater, whose gallery has been a fixture on Hill Road for 20 years, has seen the impact of parking charges in nearby Nailsea, and it's not pretty.
The Impact of Parking Charges
In the face of rising costs and an uncertain economy, traders fear that parking fees could be the final nail in the coffin for some businesses. "Research shows that when people have to pay, they visit less frequently," Prater explains. "We've seen it devastate towns and small independent areas across the country."
And Clevedon is not alone. North Somerset is just one of many cash-strapped councils across Britain looking to increase parking charges to boost their income. But the impact on local businesses is a cause for concern.
A Balancing Act
Currently, shoppers can park for free on Hill Road and surrounding streets for two hours. The proposed changes would offer 30 minutes of free parking, followed by charges of £1.50 for one hour, £2.50 for two hours, and £3 for a maximum three-hour stay. These charges would be in effect from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday.
Prater worries that even small fees could deter visitors. "Those quick stops on the way home or through town can often lead to significant sales," she says. "People aren't going to add parking charges to that £2.50 card or £1.50 bottle of milk."
The terrain around Hill Road doesn't allow for a traditional car park, so street parking is essential. On the day The Guardian visited, almost every space was taken, a testament to the street's popularity, according to the traders.
A Tale of Two Towns
Devvon Wilsher-Day, owner of So Gorgeous Bridal, understands the importance of free parking. "Our customers come for two-hour appointments, and the current two-hour free parking works fantastically for us," she says. However, Wilsher-Day is critical of the council's plans, calling them "shortsighted."
Wilsher-Day and her mother moved their shop to Clevedon from Weston-super-Mare, where they believe parking charges contributed to the decline of the local high street. They're determined not to let history repeat itself.
The Council's Perspective
North Somerset Council first proposed these parking changes in 2024, aiming for a consistent approach to on-street parking and council-owned car parks. They argue that well-managed parking facilities can support local economies while addressing climate challenges and fostering healthy communities.
The council also wants parking to be self-funding or create a surplus that can be reinvested into parking and transport infrastructure.
However, the Hill Road traders remain unconvinced. David Sims, owner of Books on the Hill, says, "The places they've done those studies aren't like Clevedon. They don't have our unique characteristics."
A Potential Legal Battle
The council, led by a coalition of Liberal Democrats and independents, has not yet approved the parking charge proposals or set a date for their introduction. But they may face opposition from within their own ranks, with Conservative councillor Chris Blades, who sits on both North Somerset and Clevedon Town Councils, suggesting a legal challenge.
"The town council is vehemently opposed," Blades says. "We're working with solicitors and the business improvement district."
Some locals, like Paul Hitchcock, see the charges as inevitable, believing they could prevent parking spaces from being blocked all day. But the traders are not giving up without a fight, and the debate continues.
