Radical measures, including paid-for-parking and competition from chain stores, are needed to revive South Woodham's ailing town centre, claims the chairman of the town's business association.

Nick Thurston, owner of Thurston Sports in Baron Road, said town centre shops were struggling because of parking problems and an ugly town centre.

He said: ''My brother has a sports shop in Wickford and on at least four occasions over the last year he has phoned me and said someone has just bought a pair of trainers from him.

''They came to my shop in Woodham first, but couldn't get parked so went to him. It breaks my heart to hear that.

''People might say that's only £400 I've lost but that would pay a month's rent."

He said there was a lack of space in Baron Road car park and that parking fees were the only remedy.

A number of town centre shops have closed in recent years, including Fiesta Travel, Sprint Communications and a pet, cycle and haberdashery shop.

Children's shop Babes in the Wood is the latest to announce its closure at the end of next month after 18 years in the town.

Mr Thurston said if the planned McDonald's restaurant in Asda goes ahead, then other big players may be encouraged to come to town, enticing more shoppers.

He added that a cut in council rates would encourage more independent traders.

This week Cllr John Cheese, vice chairman of the town council's development and regeneration committee said there was concern over the town centre's economic future.

He added: "In the past Chelmsford Borough Council has approached a number of large chains and they all said that the catchment wasn't big enough.

"He added that the committee would be making suggestions about improving the town centre to the borough council's local development framework, which will be published in its early stages later this year."

Published Thursday August 26, 2004

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