Markets idea to fill Cinderford's trade gaps

“Freeborn_John - i submit to your higher authority, yes failed miserably.

Check out what Cinderford produces, check out what is sold at present in Cinderford shops, what is the population of Cinderford, and where they work, where they shop and why.

Set out a business plan for Cinderford - what part do Cinderford retail play in the overall economy of Cinderford, and what proportion of that is goods made in or sourced from materials from Cinderford, and whether it can build walls, and generate a self sustaining economy - more importantly what would be component of a few local art, craft, and food shops play in employing and regenerating Cinderford.

Check also if a few cycle racks, and shop front beautification projects will attract people to flock to Cinderford - also visit Ross on Wye and see what makes it tick.

Cinderford was a mining town, it had industries now gone, and in the present economic climate when businesses/industry already winding down and locations closer to better road links will offer advantages far more than Cinderford can.

Town centres are winding down all over the country - people are now mobile, work, live, and spend their leisure time at different locations on their daily routes, no longer bound by parish/town boundaries, nut participating across administrative boundaries.

So talking about Cinderford producing and consuming locally is being unrealistic. Town/City centres are also not attractive to most given parking charges, congestion, and having to walk to and fro from parking locations. Local shops mainly patronised by those locally within walking distance or supermarkets with car parks. Small niche shops in small-town centres had their day, unless the location is unique, and has historical or other niche attractions that people want to visit.”

“Bonkim, youre not a realist, you say they've failed? where? do you have experience of them? Have you ever tried?

I doubt you've ever tried anything constructive or community based. I'd love to be proved wrong.”

“Far better to keep the commercial hub in the centre of the community rather than out of town. Cinderfords problem would appear to be improved parking facilities in the town centre. Regeneration money not available to regenerate the town centre Councillor Morgan? What is Regeneration money for if not for this purpose? Any out of town facility takes business out of town is this rocket science?”

“What for Parkend ?????”

“And there are also many successful ones. Look around..”

“Nay-sayer or realist - seriously, street markets as suggested - excellent idea - but idealism alone does not guarantee success - if there is a need for the service, and paying customers, great - but if the group is expecting to build on public start up funds and rely on well-meaning volunteers - many a start up by well-intentioned people hoping to get free money from the public purse or the lottery wilt no sooner than the funding stream ceases. History is littered with such failed community causes.”

“Well another naysayer, it's people like you who led the town into it's current state. Man up and help your community or stop criticizing when others do!”

“Surely you mean 'if' it flops, Mr Bonkim? If the community owns something, it will have a desire to nurture it and make it work. I guess we shall see. Merry Christmas!”

“More Humbug - community shops? if commercial shops are unable to make any money - will community volunteers or a social interest Co do any better? Who will invest in such enterprises, and who will take the hit when it flops?”