News from Southampton Labour

Southampton’s Labour Councillors and MP fight for a fairer deal for Woolston traders

Southampton’s Labour councillors are working on a package of measures to breathe new life into the struggling Woolston retail area.

As part of the campaign, Cllr Carol Cunio, who represents the area, will present a petition to the Full Council of Southampton City Council on Wednesday, March 18.

Around 300 residents and shopkeepers have signed the protest, which urges the authority to provide more support to the shopping area.

Approximately 15 stores have closed in the retail district within the past 18 months, with only a couple replacing them.

The petition also calls for enforcement action to clamp down on owners of a second hand store in the former Adams Hardware shop in Victoria Road.

Residents and traders have complained about their goods being laid out along the street past several empty units – including the former Woolworths and Stead and Simpson stores – and making the area look scruffy.

Cllr Cunio said:

“I’ve approached several council departments to see if action can be taken to encourage this store to clean up its act. We will continue our efforts until we find some way to achieve this, as we want Woolston’s shopping area to look its best.

“While we welcome new businesses coming to our neighbourhood, they shouldn’t be operating to the detriment of the stores that are already there.”

Her Labour colleagues in Woolston, Cllrs Richard Williams and Warwick Payne, have also been working on other measures to help the traders.

They include better signage for free parking near the precinct, quicker collection of rubbish bags, and seeking a discount in business rates for Woolston traders.

Cllr Payne added:

“I use my local shops in Woolston regularly and I don’t want to see the parade turned into a ghost town.

“Other areas of the city have seen large amounts of investment in recent years while Woolston has missed out.

“We’re doing our bit as local councillors to support our stores, but Southampton City Council could, and should, do more to help.”

The three Woolston councillors have visited traders throughout Victoria Road and Portsmouth Road in recent weeks, and delivered newsletters.

Southampton Itchen MP, John Denham, is also due to join them on a tour of the Woolston shops on Friday, April 17. During the visit, he will be speaking to traders and gathering more information on their concerns.

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