PARKING is the ‘biggest problem’ Barrow town centre shops are facing.

That’s the view of a business owner after a new  Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) report revealed a package of ideas to help transform life for small businesses on Cumbria’s high streets.

Supporting pop-ups and temporary use initiatives for new businesses, creating mobile phone-based loyalty programmes and providing accessible public toilets are some of the recommendations aimed at local government to help the Cumbria small firms thrive and grow.

The Future of the High Street report calls for local authorities to create a specialised fund to support pop-ups, markets, and temporary use initiatives for first-time businesses to encourage new ventures and help them set up on the high street.

The report, which features in-depth analysis following a large-scale survey of small businesses, also suggests a specialised fund to support a mobile phone-based loyalty programme for high street firms and launching community-specific online marketplaces to showcase local shops and services

The research highlights the need for well-maintained and accessible modern public toilets and family-friendly services like creche facilities on our high streets, encouraging visitors to stay longer, upping footfall and supporting the local economy.

Andrea Scraggs, owner of Footwear and Fascinators on Portland Walk, believes more affordable parking options would be more beneficial for Barrow’s town centre.

READ MORE: Fully refurbished Footwear and Fascinators shop reopens in Barrow

She said: “Parking is the biggest problem. We’ve had rows with the councils for years, it’s way too high.

"A lot of my customers can’t park and not everybody wants to use the bus. A car park at half price is better than an empty car park at full price.

“If you’re not able to nip into town for 20 minutes then small businesses are not going to survive.”

We asked Mail readers for their views on what would improve the town centre.

Gemma Elizabeth said: “Small businesses just can't afford the rents that private landlords ask.

“Set fee for parking like the 24hrs for a £1 in the one in Ulverston would be good, I try to only go into town after 3pm when I know I can park for free."

Kerry Anne Allen shared the same opinion as many others.

She commented: “Free parking. What were the council thinking when they made all the one-hour parking bays at the back of McDonald’s and the streets by the Blue Lamp just 20 minutes?”

Other locals on Facebook said the town centre could be improved with the return of a Marks and Spencer’s store and by reducing rent prices for businesses.

Lesley Ackred said: “Lower rent and rates so that shopkeepers actually make a profitable living and the town doesn't look derelict.

"Abbey Road is so depressing. It's time the powers that be use their power positively. Barrow town needs to attract outsiders once again and offer locals the best they can."

Robert Ewing said: “Improve parking, fix potholes and bring parking prices in line with other Westmorland and Furness towns that are cheaper.”

Ian Graham said: “Lower public-owned rents, force landlords out with compulsory purchase orders that are leaving premises empty, free parking areas and set up a council team that works within commercial to attract businesses to invest and move into the town.”

The survey found local businesses in Cumbria saw a range of closures on their local high street since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic including: retail stores (77%) hospitality (67%), banks (62%), post offices (28%), entertainment venues (26%). 

The FSB is calling for a band of on-site high street chiefs responsible for the growth and wellbeing of high streets across the country, creating promotion plans and monitoring vacant units within their area. They would work with local businesses, landlords, Business Improvement District managers and community groups to help encourage growth in the area, as well as lead a Vacancy Taskforce, monitoring commercial properties.

Business rates remain a burden on high street small businesses, with the current Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) a key part of their survival, the report said.

The research found 42% of high street small businesses in Cumbria say they would not survive without SBRR. To help small firms grow further, the SBRR threshold should be increased from £12,000 of rateable value to £25,000. 

Good transport links are important for the future of the high street, according to 31% of small businesses in Cumbria. The report calls for a high street hop scheme providing free bus fares on key routes during peak shopping days to help increase footfall and support local businesses.  

45% of high street small businesses in Cumbria say parking facilities are managed poorly on their local high street. Offering free parking on at least two Saturdays plus two additional days a month, would increase footfall and support local businesses by making high streets more accessible. 

Katy Smythe from the FSB said: “It’s important that small firms across Cumbria are provided with the right environment, infrastructure and flexibility to be successful – and in turn help grow their local economy.

“From the core high street issues of business rates, parking and transport to more innovative asks, this report sets out a raft of recommendations to try to revive our town and city centres and ensure our small businesses are well supported.

“Local authorities can play a pivotal role in improving the experience of a high street, encouraging more people to visit, shop and invest there, and we look forward to working closely with them.

“Our high streets have been through many changes and will continue to evolve – and that’s why it’s so important that the small businesses at their heart are well-equipped for the future.”