05/06/2023
A number of our members have asked us to write to Amesbury Town Council and object to an upcoming closure of roads between Antrobus House and St Mary and St Melor Church on Saturday 15th July, for a Mayoral Parade. The council is due to discuss the closure tomorrow (Tuesday) evening at their public meeting at the Bowman Centre at 7:15 pm. Below is a copy of the letter we sent the council. We have retracted the names of the Members:
Dear Amesbury Town Council,
On behalf of the Stonehenge Chamber of Trade members, we have been requested to express our strong objection to the proposed road closure for the upcoming mayoral parade in Amesbury. While we understand and appreciate the significance of this event, several of our members firmly believe that the proposed road closure will harm the local business community.
Amesbury town centre is home to a diverse range of businesses, many of which rely on a steady flow of customers and visitors for their sustainability and growth. The proposed road closure would significantly disrupt the accessibility to their establishments, making it extremely challenging for customers to reach our businesses during this crucial time. The resulting decrease in footfall and trade would have severe financial consequences for our members.
Furthermore, road closures of this nature often result in traffic congestion and detours that negatively impact the surrounding areas. The diversion of vehicles through alternative routes would inconvenience residents and commuters, leading to increased travel times and unnecessary disruptions. This could deter potential customers and visitors from coming to Amesbury all day.
One business said, “This past week, an ambulance blocked Salisbury Street for an emergency. While this was only for 10 minutes, the congestion caused had blocked the whole town for the following hour as cars had backed up.”
Another business said, “We are struggling enough to run a business in the town without additional inconvenience, especially on a Saturday.”
Alternative arrangements can be made to ensure the smooth flow of the event while minimising the negative impact on businesses. By exploring alternative options, the council should balance celebrating our community and maintaining the economic stability of our town.
We request that the council reconsider the road closure proposal and engage in open dialogue with the Stonehenge Chamber of Trade and other stakeholders. By working together, we can find a solution that allows the mayoral celebration to proceed while safeguarding our business community's interests and livelihoods. Collaboration and consultation are essential in finding the right balance between community events and the economic needs of Amesbury.
One of the Chamber’s main objectives is to increase footfall for our members. This is why the chamber has actively encouraged events and road closures around days of significant importance. These often bring customers to the Town Centre, such as The Amesbury Carnival and Shows procession, which sees a huge turnout and boosts the local economy, as well as our Christmas Fayre and Street Parties. Our members do not feel a parade of this nature will bring out the numbers as the above events, thus negatively impacting the day’s trading.
Thank you for considering our concerns. We hope you will consider our objections and work towards finding a mutually beneficial solution. We are confident that, by prioritising the well-being of local businesses, the council can ensure Amesbury's long-term prosperity and growth.
Yours faithfully,
The Stonehenge Chamber of Trade
Signed by 15 Chamber Members based in Amesbury Town Centre.
