Get in touch with Viewpoint at www.mags4dorset.co.uk
Sponsors
WIMBORNE
OOD
W
VERVIEWPOINT
Aug/Sept 2008 Volume 31/1 Issue 7 Established Over 30 Years
Don’t let the bridge get you down!
By Louise Formston
Despite the Canford Bridge closure, Wimborne still appears to be a
bright and bustling town and is very much open for trade. But how
is the closure really affecting people?
The editor and I visited recently when the tourist season was in
full swing and spoke to shopkeepers, residents and visitors.
Barry Elsworth, vice chairman of Wimborne Chamber of Trade
and proprietor of Mainstream Menswear in East Street, said his
shop is down on takings compared to the same time last year. “It’s
more than just the bridge though,” he added. “Car parking charges
went up at the same time and the recession in the economy is
hitting businesses. Everything is working against us.” He added,
“Members of the Chamber of Trade are acting positively to increase
trade in the town and have produced a leaflet in conjunction with
Wimborne Tourist Information.”
The leaflet has some money saving vouchers, which include a
free swim at QE Leisure Centre and a free tea or coffee from the
Priest’s House Museum’s tea room in the Square.
Mike Howell, proprietor of The Cloisters Tea Rooms told us,
“When the bridge closed, there was a slight loss in trade, but the
economic climate is having more of an effect on people’s spending.
The tourist trade doesn’t seem to be affected though,” he said.
“What I have noticed is that local shoppers are staying for shorter
periods because of the increased car parking charges.”
Continued on page 4
Your FREE Local Magazine
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16