TRADERS in Frome’s historic Cheap Street face a challenging 16 weeks ahead of them, whilst work is carried out to improve the Market Place, but a group representing the traders are determined that business will continue as normal.
Work began last week on the Market Place improvements, which will feature new paved areas, a new seating area and a restoration of the Boyle Cross to an ornamental fountain.
During the improvement works, the entrance to Cheap Street from the Market Place will be obscured by two-metre high safety barriers, with shoppers being encouraged to access the street via King Street and the alley opposite the entrance to the Archangel.
Fearing that business may be affected, a group of Cheap Street traders have joined forces to spread the word that they are still open and ready to do business.
Representing the group of traders, Stephen Thomas and Anna Middleton-Thomas from Marchbank Jewellery Design said, “All the traders we spoke to are rallying round to support each other and their customers whilst the works are carried out.
“Traders are keen for residents and shoppers to know that they are still open for business as usual and to spread the word. The majority of traders feel that the scheme will improve the entrance to Cheap Street and be a more attractive space for visitors and shoppers.
“However, there is concern about the loss of the free parking spaces by the memorial. These were the only free parking spaces left in Frome and traders feel that local residents should lobby their local councillor to get some free parking spaces made available for the Cheap Street side of the town.
“The temporary access to Cheap Street from the town centre is via the slope leading from King Street. Some of us feel that a hand-rail or similar should be installed there to help less able shoppers and visitors access the street from that end of the town.
“This is something traders raised with representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and a town councilor, but it is yet to be confirmed if this will be installed.
“We are also keen to let customers know that we will do whatever we can to help people access the shops. If anyone needs help with access, please do call the shop directly.”
Looking to the months ahead, the group of traders are remaining positive saying, “It is normally one of the busiest parts of the year with trading up to Christmas bringing much-needed revenue and shoppers into Frome.
“The vibrant spirit of the independent retailers in Cheap Street has not been diminished by the temporary disruption to access.”
Work is expected to finish at the end of November in time for Christmas shopping and the Christmas lights big switch-on event on Friday 1st December.
A representative from Frome Town Council said, “To help promote Cheap Street, the town council has paid for a large banner that will be displayed on the hoarding around the works and will remain there for the duration.
“Signs clearly stating ‘Cheap Street OPEN AS USUAL’ can be found in car parks, the Discover Frome information point at the Black Swan, and approaches to Cheap Street. They include a list of the shops and other businesses in Cheap Street.
“We are investigating a possible temporary handrail solution (for the slope leading from King Street). In the meantime, we have pressure-washed Apple Lane to ensure that it is as safe as possible for people to walk along.”
For further information regarding the Cheap Street shops please go to www.discoverfrome.co.uk
