Street and Glastonbury readers have been sharing their views on what would help bring more people back to the high street after Somerset Council urged residents to shop and eat locally following a difficult winter for businesses.

Among the most common suggestions in response to the social media post were cheaper parking, lower business rates and better support for independent traders.

Laura Harrison said free parking and lower business rates were needed, while Lizzie Mackay said parking charges had continued to rise. Joe Chester said removing parking charges would help, and Liam Culliford suggested free parking for local people could make a difference.

Business costs were another recurring theme.

Mat Hynds said high rates and parking costs were making life harder for local firms, while Bill Reed called for business rates to be cut. Edward Durris also said reduced rents and rates would help smaller businesses.

Other readers said the issue was wider than parking alone.

Edric Hobbs pointed out that parking charges can still be lower than the fuel cost of driving to an out-of-town retail park. Others said internet shopping, supermarket convenience and pressure on household budgets were all affecting footfall.

Some comments focused on how town centres look and feel.

advertisement

Patsy Palmer said a cleaner high street in Glastonbury could encourage more shoppers, while Mark de Buisseret called for better bus services and disabled Flexi-bus options. Georgina Della-Valle said improving WiFi on the high street should also be considered.

Accessibility and the experience of visiting the town centre were also raised.

Sally Algernon said disabled access and the way some families are treated in shops and cafés can affect whether Street feels welcoming. Her comments suggested that, for some residents, the question is not only cost but whether the high street feels easy and comfortable to use.

Long-time trader Steve Lukins said the last year had brought the worst trading conditions he had seen in 40 years on high streets. He added that town centres remain important for older shoppers and for people without cars who cannot easily use out-of-town supermarkets.

Taken together, the comments show strong support for local businesses in Street and Glastonbury, but also a clear view from readers that practical changes are needed if more people are to return regularly to the high street.

More local stories

• Wells Carnival seeks sponsors from local businesses
• Shepton Strawberry Line hopes hit by cash blow
• Somerset Levels dredging gets £775,000 boost

Subscribe to the free Glastonbury Nub News newsletter Get the biggest Glastonbury stories straight to your inbox.