MALVERN District Council has agreed a support package to compensate Upton traders who have felt the brunt of major infrastructure works across the town.
The authority has been working with Upton Business Association on ways to promote the fact the town remains ‘open for business’ while an upgrade to the gas mains network and installation of a new flood alleviation scheme takes place.
The replacement of 1.2km of iron gas mains with plastic piping is being carried out on Old Street, Church Walk, Court Street, High Street, Waterside and Backfields Lane.
Worcestershire County Council has also started work on the flood alleviation scheme on the A4104 in Upton between the A38 and the Marina, which is expected to be completed in November 2018. The project will again be phased to minimise the impact on traders during the important festival season.
Both projects require temporary traffic lights which has led to concerns from traders about the impact on their businesses.
Due to the exceptional circumstances Malvern Hills District Council has agreed to invest £10,000 into a promotional support package, including a revamp of the Upton Business Association website, business features in the local press, promotional literature, social media promotion, competitions and new banners.
And Cadent has agreed to contribute towards providing discounted parking which will allow people to park for free for two hours in Hanley Road Car Park. The offer will be introduced shortly and signage will be put up in the car park.
The agreement ends on April 15 but could be extended if partners agree to provide further funding.
Coun David Chambers, Malvern Hills District Council leader, said: “Although we’re not responsible for these works, we’ve listened to the concerns of traders and we’re keen to support them in getting the message out that Upton remains very much open for business.
“I hope both the promotional support package and discounted parking will encourage people to come and explore all Upton has to offer.”
