Letters
Council’s unbending stance over rents ‘disappointing’
SIR - With reference to your story regarding traders quitting Winchester city centre (Chronicle, June 19), there does continue to be a disappointing dichotomy between landlords' rental expectations and market realities.
This is no more clearly illustrated than by the somewhat punitive and unrealistic rental increases demanded by our very own Winchester City Council - apparent custodians of positive fiscal city trading polices and tireless champions to the cause of diversity and prosperity - but alas with an incomprehensible agenda with regard to the promotion (or not) of viable trading conditions in which small businesses can thrive in our wonderful cosmopolitan city.
Towards the end of 2007, I attempted to engage with Winchester City Council with a view to taking on the ownership of a thriving independent business located within the city walls.
There was an issue with a lease renewal, which, as a businessman, I assumed would be a simple financial negotiation with the council, to pursue a realistic and mutual goal. How wrong I was.
The most galling aspect of those negotiations, despite the wastage of a huge amount of time and effort on my part, was the continual emphasis placed upon the requirement to achieve the highest rental income possible at all costs.
Whilst I understand the importance of maximizing income for the city purse, when it is at the expense of an important local service, then surely as Winchester residents, questions should be asked.
The business had traded in the city for many years, and it was only the fact that at the 11th hour, I managed to secure alternative premises - in an agreeable deal with a reasonable and realistic private landlord - that this popular concern has survived and evolved.
Meanwhile, the original council-owned premises has remained empty, for over six months and counting.
In their relentless pursuit of chasing the maximum possible income until local traders' pips squeak, there seemingly won't be any contentment at City Hall until Winchester resembles the faceless commercial blight of A.N. Other high street's menagerie of chain stores who can afford the premium
Name and address supplied.
3:55pm Wednesday 25th June 2008
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