Businesses suffering after Cannock car park closure

Cannock Shopping Centre traders have hit out over the indefinite closure of the car park on Ringway for safety reasons and fear they could lose out if it is not re-opened in time for their busiest period at Christmas.

They claim footfall has decreased in the two months that the car park, owned by St Modwen, has been shut for because there is not sufficient alternative parking for customers.

Owner of Cannock Print, Selena Oates, said: "There has been a dramatic drop in footfall since they closed the car park.

"A lot of customers that used to come in three or four times a week come in less now because they are elderly people who do not have anywhere to park since the car park closed and there are not enough buses running.

"Quite a few jobs come in for me over the internet but if I relied on footfall in the shopping centre, I would be struggling.

"It is going to be a nightmare at Christmas because there is not enough parking as it is and people simply will not bother. That will be a massive blow to everyone who works here."

Supervisor at Cooper Kettle Cafe, Louise Hale, aged 31, said: "It has been really quiet since it closed.

"My mother is disabled and coming to the centre is now a struggle for her because all the disabled bays are full and there is no where to park. She still comes to the centre but she had to buy a scooter and it is an inconvenience for her.

"People will just give up and go somewhere else.

"It is a real struggle for staff too because we have nowhere to park."

Alternative parking is available at Beecroft Car Park but spaces are limited.

Chair of the traders association, Sheila Dunning, said: "There are other places to park but they are quite expensive.

"As far as trade is concerned, I would not say it has killed it but it is a shame for hard working people to feel the impact on their business because it has not been cared for.

"Footfall in the town is a disgrace at the moment. Some people are doing quite well but others are struggling."

Centre manager, Susi McCarthy, said: "The long term impact of the car park is as yet unknown, however we can confirm that Cannock Shopping Centre saw a rise in footfall over August, largely due to the opening of The Works which has had a positive effect on the centre. Additionally in the first month of the car park closure we have seen a 5% increase in footfall at the bus station entrance."

Managing Director, Tony McGovern: “The MSCP was closed due to significant safety concerns about the structure of this building.

"There is no date for re-opening any part of the MSCP. The Council is making significant remedial repairs to the service ramp off Church Street and is in direct contact with the businesses affected by these works to minimise any disruption.”