Last updated 12:54, Tuesday, 02 December 2008

I write in response to the article regarding the proposed 18-month ‘experimental’ traffic scheme for Keswick’s Market Square (News & Star, November 25).

Bustling: But banning deliveries between 10am and 6pm will hit businesses, says Michael Webster

This scheme aims to ban traffic from the Market Square between 10am and 6pm.

There was no consultation that I, or nearly 50 other businesses that I have spoken to, are aware of.

A working group was set up (comprised of three people) to look at these proposals. Did they not think to consult with the very people it will affect? Evidently not.

If or when implemented this will have a major effect on the day-to-day operation of many businesses in Keswick.

Businesses rely on courier and haulage firms to deliver goods and delivery vehicles rarely get to Keswick before 10am, often stopping in other towns before arriving.

I have spoken to a number of courier firms and they have said they will be unable to make the 10am deadline.

Should a vehicle be unable to get to Keswick before 10am and the business they need to visit does not have adequate rear access, which many don’t, they will need to use the proposed loading bays. These bays are on the fringes of the Market Square and traders are expected to ‘barrow in’ deliveries.

Will the town council or Cumbria County Council be prepared to fund these ‘barrows’ and pay the wages for the substantial increase in time taken to unload deliveries?

We often get upwards of three pallets of stock on vehicles without tail lifts – would local councillors be prepared to help us carry it from Derwent Close to our front door?

What about businesses that only have one member of staff in and those that open at 10am or later?

I have spoken to 45 local businesses and 44 of them have signed a petition objecting to not having been consulted.

Forty have stated that they do not support the proposal as it stands.

This scheme seems to have been poorly thought-out, without relevant consultation and with businesses having been told by Andrew Lysser of Keswick Town Council working group that they will ‘have to make allowances’.

Given the current economic climate, the council should be supporting local businesses; instead they seem to be trying to implement a scheme not supported by the majority of traders.

MICHAEL WEBSTER
Main Street
Keswick