Retailer Decries Bircherley Green Inaction

A local retailer has written an open letter to councillors, local media and developer Wrenbridge expressing exasperation over the current condition of the town centre.

In the letter, Tracey and Bryan Graham describe how the closure of Bircherley Green and ensuing uncertainty over the development, together with the loss of parking have impacted their business.

The Grahams are also critical of the local authorities and lengthy works in the town centre, further driving away trade.

Problems are compounded by a lack of communication from both the council and developer.

"We have not had any direction from Wrenbridge as to why the works have stopped, not a word, Or what the future plans are, neither have the Council informed us of any news."

The letter concludes with a plea to authorities and developers to work with retailers to move the town forward.

East Herts District Council and Wrenbridge have both been approached for comment.

(Edit 29/4/19: East Herts Council have now responded - you can read their response here)

The full letter can be read below:

We are not in the habit of writing and expressing our every thought on a whim, however we have sat by whilst the exuberant and affluent town of Hertford has become a crumbling old sorry state.

When we invested in to our Family business 2016, we worked with the council to make sure that all elements were adhered to and built a new business amongst many established an flourishing retailers, independents and chains all making a very charming and busy town. The area of Bircherley Green was equally busy with access to the busy carpark, accessible to the delightful river walk, and perfectly situated adjacent to the busy Bus terminal. Talk of the redevelopment surfaced and gradually shops slowly began to close, quite slowly to begin with, then the closure of Waitrose and Starbucks, along with Superdrug, vape shops, beauty stores and pharmacies, coffee shops, food outlets, children's clothes store ~ disappeared faster than you can imagine. Business ground to the proverbial halt and even the Saturday market was relocated away slowing passing trade. Christmas holiday period resulted in the closure of the gates bringing the pedestrian access to a shuddering halt giving us zero passing trade. How are we to continue? lengthy forms have been filed with the VOA office which along with their acknowledgments of understanding is still far from at their conclusion of any substantial help in the form of rates reductions.

Highways have deemed surrounding roads are in need of an overhaul at such a desperate time for retail cutting our life line of parking on top of the multi story closure at Bircherley Green. Gascoyne Way is open but being filled early with commuters. Usually there is a premium to pay prior to 9am in most station locations but not here, so when we arrive to park spaces are chronically reduced, leaving it non existent to shoppers. I have heard residents tell me how they actually avoid the Town centre due to road works and diversions plus stressful parking options, which is not what we as local independent traders are thrilled to hear.

After decades in the retail sector, we have never seem such a devastating turn of events in what was a thriving affluent historical town. Developers and the Council need to think of the future of Hertford and with extreme urgency. staying stationary will destroy businesses faster than a bulldozer. Common sense must prevail and everyone needs to work together for one purpose and that is the future. The demise of Hertford is all too real and cannot be allowed to continue. It is a travesty watching the businesses wither and disappear.

We have not had any direction from Wrenbridge as to why the works have stopped, not a word, Or what the future plans are, neither have the Council informed us of any news. Surely, when planning was passed a deadline date should have been agreed upon? Please can you work together with positivity and give us, the businesses, clarity on the situation of our futures, saying nothing and showing us absolutely no way forward is just not enough anymore. We need to be considered by those involved in this project, we have all been placed into a dreadful position with no fault of our own.

This is not just about businesses, but people seeking employment in the area, residents using their ‘local’ shops and this must reflect on property as well?  there are so many aspects which are being brushed under the carpet and NOW we need help and answers!

Respectfully Yours
Tracey & Bryan Graham