Independent shops along Hill Road in Clevedon face a bleak future as local business owners warn that proposed parking charges by North Somerset Council could drive them to closure within five years.
A petition signed by 4,351 residents was presented to the full council meeting on November 11, urging councillors to reconsider plans to introduce on-street parking fees on the beloved shopping street. Tristan Merriam of Doghead Designs made a passionate plea, emphasizing that paid parking would drastically reduce casual visitors who often stop by spontaneously while running errands or walking their dogs.
Merriam explained, “My business thrives on passing foot traffic. Charging for parking will discourage those spontaneous visits, forcing people to choose free and more convenient alternatives elsewhere.” He fears this move will lead to boarded-up shops and empty storefronts, threatening the unique character of Hill Road.
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Hill Road is renowned for its eclectic mix of independent shops and is situated uphill from Clevedon Pier, with no nearby car parks. Shoppers and visitors currently rely heavily on free on-street parking—a vital resource for the area’s footfall and economic health.
Local councillor Michael Pryke voiced strong criticisms at the council meeting, likening the parking charge proposal to past controversial decisions, including the Clevedon seafront “fiasco.” He challenged the justification behind the charges, noting that instead of improving business turnover, it would only increase engine idling as drivers leave for other destinations with free parking.
Four Hill Road business owners, including Sandy Prater of Fizz Gallery and Devvon Wilsher-Day of So Gorgeous Bridal, spoke out about the precarious position their businesses face. Prater shared, “After 20 years on Hill Road, this is the most anxious I’ve been about our future—worse even than during the 2008 recession.” Wilsher-Day added, “Clevedon isn’t a big city like Bristol or a tourist hotspot like Weston; we depend almost entirely on our local community to survive. Introducing parking charges risks wiping out one of the last remaining heritage retail areas packed with incredible independent businesses.”
David Sims of Books on the Hill also criticized the council’s approach, alleging procedural flaws and questioning the legality of the parking charge implementation.
The introduction of parking fees is part of North Somerset Council’s broader strategy to close a projected £25 million budget gap in 2025, attributed mainly to rising social care costs. This controversial measure split council members, with dissent from within the cabinet and commitments to monitor the policy’s effects closely.
Council leader Mike Bell rationalized the decision, stating, “We cannot continue subsidizing parking at a time when we must cut essential care services for vulnerable adults and children.” However, the community’s voice remains resolute in preserving the vitality of Hill Road’s cherished independent retail scene.