ONE of the Swindon Advertiser’s pleas has always been that the population of Swindon supports local shops and tradespeople; this has possibly been an even greater thrust of the Star’s message. This obviously keeps businesses economically viable, providing both employment and also nurturing a community spirit within the enclaves of the town.

Today, April 1, I needed a small DIY item. Not unusually my wife and I travelled from Ferndale Road to a small shop in the Rodbourne area, choosing this in preference to the larger national superstores located on the Great Western Way. Parking was very difficult so my wife drove into the car park of a local public house to allow me to quickly enter the shop and request the item.

I should add firstly that I would not be able to drive and walking alone along potentially dangerous roads is not considered to be an option for me, both due to my epilepsy. Secondly, the time of day ensured that there were adequate car parking spaces left at the public house to account for even the most rapid influx of customers. Nonetheless my wife was immediately threatened with wheel clamping were she not to move our vehicle.

My point is simply, as stated above, that supporting local businesses, often at higher cost than a superstore can offer, does depend upon the fostering of a community spirit. Had we chosen one of the DIY stores along the Great Western Way, parking would have been easier to find, free, plentiful and my wife would not have been approached.

I only usually frequent the public house each Christmas, but at a time when the licensed trade is bemoaning its financial situation, possibly a more friendly and flexible approach is required? This one has certainly lost my trade, and also unfortunately that of his neighbour.

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