| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:More support than objections | |
| Posted by: | Jeremy Parkinson | |
| Date/Time: | 09/08/23 08:34:00 |
| I've never really understood the heat generated by the name Old Market Place and why, otherwise sensible people, have such strong objections to it. Tom, I've looked at the data presented by the restaurant and it does show a negative relationship between their Sunday takings and markets. Ultimately people will probably have already decided who is right on this matter, you with your complicated exposition on the statistics or the owner looking at empty tables and her takings for the day. This doesn't of course prove the existing markets are bad for business. Overall, I think there is a consensus that for most traders the increased footfall outweighs the loss of the car parking. However, how this affects individual businesses will be complex including many factors such as weather, location and the type of product sold. Looking at the feedback, when it comes to food businesses, in general cafes seem to like the idea of the foodmarket and restaurants are very much opposed. You are happy to accept without question evidence from the businesses who say takings are up so you should do the same for those who have had a different experience. Having now gone through the comments, I would disagree that the objectors' file is larger because they have followed Cllr Biddolph's prolixity. There are a substantial proportion of well-argued detailed objections on a number of grounds including from the local residents' association, a chartitable trust and several businesses. While the supporters also have marshalled some strong arguments in favour, quite a few of the comments are short, even one liners expressing support from the market. I don't think you can come to any other conclusion than Chiswick is very much split on this issue. As I understand it this isn't a referendum so the number of people for or against is a secondary factor. The panel has to decide on the basis of the relevant legislation. I have to confess to close to zero knowledge on this subject but, if you sift through Cllr Biddolph's long objection, there do seem to me to be a number of technical objections there which appear to be based on a detailed knowledge of the subject |