A FALMOUTH trader has issued a rallying cry to save the fortunes of the town's high street shops.

Rebecca Heane, of Cream Cornwall, has reacted to a recent car park price increase by giving back £3 to anyone who spends £50 in her shop.

"It may not be a lot but it makes all the difference to some people. The price of parking has gone up everywhere in town and we need to be more proactive to save our high street," she told the Falmouth Packet.

"Those people who want to pop into town to go to the bank or run a couple of errands are being penalised and eventually they'll stop coming in.

Rebecca is proposing that traders should draw up a petition requesting that Cornwall Council should offer two hours of free car parking a day to encourage people to use the town.

She is hoping that support from customers, local councillors and MPs could result in a positive outcome.

"There's been a huge outcry about the parking and Cornwall Council has got to do more to help us," she added.

"People still like to shop and Falmouth has many independent shops which attract people from as far away as Plymouth and Exeter.

"I had an Australian couple in the shop last week who were told by the guest house owners that they were staying with not to bother going to Falmouth as there's nothing there!

"We need to come together to tell people what a great selection of shops we have here and all the different things there are to do."

She added that hundreds shops nationally closed last year and is urging the council to consider offering an hour's free parking each week, to encourage people to come into town.

Richard Wilcox, Falmouth BID Manager said: “There is a real and understandable concern from the business and wider community in relation to the car parking price increase proposals for the county that of course impact upon our award-winning town.

"As has been well documented across national media outlets, the UK high street faces many challenges and we must do all we can to encourage and then exceed visitor expectations when they come to Falmouth.

"We as a Town Team will continue to support our businesses and ensure that there is proactive dialogue with regional landlords/decision makers such as Cornwall Council on this and other issues.

"We are proud of our retail offer – passionate independents, appealing national stores, a mouth-watering range of pubs, cafes and restaurants – and we will do all we can locally to ensure that they are given a platform conducive to business growth and prosperity.”

BREAKOUT BOX

Rebecca's impassioned plea and refund offer has been met with much support

Sarah Charlett said: "I still feel that as the council makes enough from shops through business rates, they really should consider the effect excessive car parking charges will affect business and eventually how many shops will close.

The demographic of Falmouth has changed considerably and with M and S closing, Truro will start taking the lion's share of trade.

The council should be helping businesses NOT hindering them

Wake up XXX.

Veronique Eastham: "There needs to be a lot of work done by the town manager to promote all the great businesses in the town as it seems that the general perception is “ don’t bother going into town, there is nothing there !!!!” This needs to be turned around. I think your idea is good but big companies like Boots etc. will not come on board and the managers will not have the authority to do this. Really it rests with the council. Maybe there could be a free two hours everyday? It is a worry ! We don’t want a town that looks like any other in the UK."

Alison Mankee: "Not very helpful when guest house owners/hotels are not promoting the lovely town we have, Falmouth has a lovely selection of independent shops with a diverse selection of goods perhaps they should spend some time out of season looking around themselves to see what we have to offer."

Julie Oats: "Fabulous idea, but we need to come together as a town, Falmouth is fabulous and full of independent shops. I don't think anyone should worry about Truro, it is just big names and no independents. I read the Portas Review, its online and offers an easy way forward for regenerating high streets.

"There is a lovely creative vibe, with a brilliant mix of shops, eateries and good shopping. One of the suggestions in the Portas Review was to encourage two hours of free parking a day, we need to get something that simple going. This is what the town should be about - the sense of community and working together."