Last updated 10:56, Friday, 15 February 2008

THE Government’s decision not to hold a public inquiry over a Tesco Extra planned for The Cloffocks in Workington clears a major hurdle for this huge development.

Objectors will continue to gnaw away at the proposal, but it will clearly happen.

And shoppers will certainly flock through its aisles when eventually it does open its doors; curiosity, convenience and cut-price offers will woo the silent majority.

But there’s the rub. People will happily shop until they drop but, post-Tesco, will that also include a stroll around Workington’s new shopping centre where a number of units remain empty and some small, independent traders are feeling the pinch?

Workington’s town centre manager continues to spread dire warnings following the closure of some stores; the spectre of Workington becoming nothing more than Tescoville is seriously worrying both him and many others.

But instead of talking the town down, a more aggressive marketing and advertising campaign is now required to remind people that Workington certainly has a much improved shopping centre these days.

However, this has to go hand in hand with some practical solutions.

The local, independent traders who’ve had confidence - some would say courage - to be part of the town centre revamp need much more support to stem further closures.

Rates and rents are clearly pitched far too high. At a time when people are careful with their cash, and footfall is slow, some shops are being crippled by these payments.

Rates and rents should be cut as a priority.

As we’ve argued many times, the cost of parking and the availability of parking spaces is crucial. Cheaper parking must be considered.

It is time for a massive re-think to ensure that Workington has a future - on all shop fronts.