There is nothing wrong with Colchester High Street
One of Colchester’s biggest political footballs is our High Street. It is often said that it is full of Kebab Shop’s, Barbers and Nail bars. However, quite the opposite in fact as it only has the chain German Doner Kebab.
There is not a local Facebook group which does not highlight its apparent decline and cite many reasons not to visit. The council are usually blamed for premium chains not choosing out town even though these brands are more often than not sold in Fenwick’s.
Next and Marks & Spencer are the recent ‘leavers’ both companies with fantastic legacies, who have both found online sales recently sky rocket and in store sales drop at the same time. They have both decided to rationalise their presence in Colchester to one store. In Mark’s and Spencers case a larger store to increase their food range.
We have seen big brands fail and disappear such as Debenhams, Woolworths, BHS, Patisserie Valerie and Burtons. All due to executive mis-management.
However, it is seen that our High Street is failing. In some respects people are right. Although this is more than likely due to a self full-filling prophecy and the constant running down damaging local consumer confidence.
The improvements in Red Lion Walk have been amazing and a usually low footfall area has transformed. The cleanliness has massively improved and the Friday & Saturday food markets give an international vibe to the town.
I will concede that the town is not perfect, but where is?
What Colchester does have in abundance is a high concentration of CAVE dwellers which on the bell curve is the acronym Citizens Against Virtually Everything. It is something which we can all fall into, even myself at times.
The local businesses have got together and BID Colchester have spent a lot of time and effort promoting our town. Along with Visit Colchester who promote Britains Oldest Town or First City to the rest of the UK and Europe.
You only have to drink in the newly refurbished George Hotel and find a multitude of European nationalities drinking and enjoying its splendour. We need more of this.
To “Save” Colchester High Street is a simple task. Just all political parties need to promote it, support it and defend it at every opportunity. Clipboards are crossed arms in the Gazette is very damaging.
Also, please stop and think when you say our town is full of Kebab shops, Barbers and Nail Bars. This is quite a dog whistle statement and upon reflection is not who we are. It is also not even remotely true.
Cr*pping on our town via social media gives unhappy people attention. The motivation for this attention will vary from personal validation to political awareness.
We have an abundant of Arts, Culture and an ancient High Street that leads on to one of the best parks in the United Kingdom. I am proud to live in Colchester.
I certainly will be better about our town from now on and you should too.
#SupportColchesterHighStreet
