A longstanding Hereford trader says lack of council support for independent businesses and the introduction of parking charges is forcing him to close his shop.
John Cummings-Lee-Hynes, who owns Papaya on Union Street, said he was ‘heartbroken’ to be closing his shop’s doors for the last time after 14 years of trading.
He is closing his independent gift store on October 10.
“We are one of only four independent traders open every day of the week on Union Street,” he said.
“During the day we have got nowhere to park even for a few minutes to deliver stuff to our own shop or take our waste away.
“We are part of the community here, that community has gotten smaller and smaller and it is being pushed out.”
He said Union Street was a ‘dead zone’ during the day due to parking restrictions but that it was a popular road for takeaway customers during the evening.
“At the end of the day it is all about money for the council,” he said.
“Traffic enforcement officers are enforcing the law even if it is just two minutes to deliver to a charity.
“The council haven’t helped me, but then they haven’t helped any of us independent traders.
“There is an immense amount of pressure here.
“There is so much competition online. There is a combination of reasons why we are being isolated and forgotten.
“There is no reason for people to come down here.
“Small people like me, this isn’t an everyday type of purchase.
“I’ve been trying to relocate but it is unlikely. We are literally going under.”
A Herefordshire Council spokesperson said they were sorry to hear about the closure of Papaya.
She said: “We understand that small independent businesses are trading in a challenging economic environment.
“We encourage business owners that are struggling to get in touch with our economic development team at the earliest opportunity as there are a number of incentives that can help, including small business rate relief on eligible properties.
“With regard to parking charges in Hereford, these reflect the demand for parking spaces in the city centre and are in line with charges applied in other similar town and city centres.”
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