Expanding Cribbs Causeway will impact our ailing local high streets through the transfer of jobs and shoppers to this out-of-town white elephant. South Glos Green Party are calling on the Council to support our struggling high street independents rather than opening the door to more cheap chain replicas at the Cribbs Causeway retail centre site.
As rising inflation and uncertainty surrounding our exit from the European Union begin to bite, lavishing cash on an expansion for big chains that will weather the storm regardless is a slap in the face for our local town centres such as Kingswood and Thornbury. Places like Kingswood High Street are already showcasing the effects of out of town shopping and the rise of online ordering, compounded with a council granting planning permission to a high number of cheap fast food establishments and reluctant to invest real capital in improving them.
It’s also clear that the expansion will severely impact local neighbourhoods, with meek plans for improving transport that will cause more congestion nearby and worsen air quality.
South Glos Green Party want to see tax incentives for smaller independent businesses to take over unused sites, support for getting the Bristol Pound established in the wider Bristol area, and the return of local markets to our high streets through closing them off to traffic once a month if necessary. Inestment in the local economy rather than chasing big chains is a better way to retain local jobs and make each pound invested truly count. We will be continuing to consult local businesses around the region for their views on the plans and join Bristol City Council, BANES and others in urging a rethink from South Glos Council.
