A Dumfries businesswoman is offering to pay for shoppers’ first hour of parking to increase footfall in the Vennel and town centre.
Anne McLauchlan told the Standard recent changes to the car park between the New Bazaar and the Waterfront Takeaway has resulted in drivers receiving fines of up to £100 and shunning the area.
Card Cabin owner Anne said: “A lot of people haven’t realised there’s an app you need to download and they’ve been sent a fine for £100 in the post. Because the signage is very poor, it’s difficult to understand what to do.
“Yesterday, today and on other days there’s not been a single car parked in there. It’s totally empty.
“That’s had an impact on trade on Friars Vennel because people came out of that car park, through the walkway and into the Vennel and the town centre.
“Trade has decreased considerably. There have been other factors – including the weather, people being told to stay at home during the Omicron wave and this time of year in general trade takes a downturn. However, it’s much greater than it’s been before.
“And I do believe it’s because people don’t want to use that car park.”
As a result the 62-year-old has come up with a plan to try and increase footfall in the area.
She said: “We, as a business, are offering anyone who spends £5 in our shop their first hour of parking for free.
“An hour of parking costs £1. They’ll have an hour to go wherever in the Vennel and into
town.
“There’s been a lot of investment in Friars Vennel, the traders have formed a group and we aim to improve the area. There’s such history and potential but this car park has caused some problems.”
Shoppers who provide proof of parking and shop at Card Cabin will be given change back in the form of a £1 discount. Loreburn Housing confirmed the car park is owned by D&G Homes, a subsidiary of the housing association.
“We are pleased these have been brought to our attention and are now working with the company to agree improvements and look at how we can support trade and activity in the town centre.”
