FROME’S town centre has been described as successful and popular in a report that reveals that compared to national and regional averages, it has a low number of vacant shops, high footfall and a high number of independent shops.
Another highlight from the report produced by People & Places Insight Ltd, which used data collected by Frome Town Council in 2017, is a dramatic increase in the number of visitors to the town centre from further afield, proving that Frome is becoming a ‘popular travel destination’.
However, alongside the positives, areas for improvement were also raised in the report. Parking was highlighted as a negative issue for both business owners and town centre users, with calls made for free or cheaper parking. The potential impact of internet shopping on the town centre was also raised as a concern. The report was discussed at this month’s Frome Town Council Town Matters meeting, with councillors pledging to continue their work to support, promote the town centre and tackle the concerns raised in the report.
Economic development & regeneration manager for the town council, Peter Wheelhouse said, “This data is suggesting what our next steps should be – but it is fair to say that the data suggests that Frome is quite resilient; relatively low vacancy rates in shops in the town centre is a demonstration of that – but also looking at 2017 footfall figures and comparing these with similar towns across the country, Frome comes out very well.
“But, there are a couple of things that might make us concerned – we have been talking to retailers and some are expressing concern about footfall and trade in 2018 – by no means a universal story, but some are, so we need to focus on this. Also the price of car parking – town centre users in particular are feeling the negative effect of this.”
Peter Wheelhouse said the town council will continue supporting the development of the town centre; “Marketing – we have Discover Frome, events in town and we are working with Mendip District Council to ramp up activity at Boyles Cross, hopefully with some new events soon. The council are also lobbying the district council for a review of car parking in town, and are lobbying the county council to review transport strategy – the town is growing and is becoming more congested.
“We are supporting retailers to become plastic-free, collaborating with them to purchase materials, helping to reduce costs. And there is the ongoing advice that businesses, not just in the town centre, can access through the town council.
“This all remains a high priority for Frome Town Council.”