Traders fight Christmas event road closure
THE closure of Hailsham High Street for a festive shopping event would spell disaster for sales, say traders.
A petition has been sent by Hailsham Chamber of Commerce and other traders to Wealden District Council.
It says the High Street must not close from 2pm onwards for a funfair and late night shopping on December 19.
Tony Vintner, from Jingles Music Store, said: 'We are not anti-funfair and we don't want to spoil anyone's fun but we would lose half a day's trade.
'Any loss of business at the moment in the current economic climate is not good. At this time of year we need every penny we can get.'
Mr Vintner stressed the traders' objection was for business reasons only and they were not 'anti' the town council. The town council is the driving force behind Christmas activities in Hailsham.
Mr Vintner added: 'No one wants to upset the local council but we can't have this road closure on the busiest Friday of the year.'
Mr Vintner said the council rejected an offer by traders at the beginning of the year to support a big festivities day on a Sunday in December. Traders would have paid for publicity.
Malcolm Adams, from Hailsham Jewellers, said the economic downturn had begun to bite.
He said: 'We are all concerned that a half day closure on one of the busiest weekends of the year could be disastrous for some shops.
'The Christmas period is a very important time for traders.
'We know from experience that when the High Street is closed we do see a drop in trade.'
Chris Giles, from Just Kidding, said the closure would 'absolutely' affect trade.
He said: 'Customers in passing vehicles are as important for trade as those who come by foot.
'For me the road closure would be particularly bad.'
Town council member Nick Ellwood called the traders' objection 'Chambergate' - after the American Watergate scandal.
He also slammed the petition as 'appalling conduct of the worst degree' at a Festivities Sub Committee meeting on Thursday last week (November 20).
More than half of 10,000 leaflets have already been delivered to residents, telling them the High Street will be closed. Cllr Ellwood said traders should foot the bill for costs.
The committee agreed to resist the petition and a letter has been sent to the district council.
The district council is considering its response to both the traders' petition and the town council's letter.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Lewes
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -4 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -2 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North east
