Following the public meeting held at the beginning of March as the first step to Midsomer Norton ‘reclaiming’ its High Street, there have been a few developments. Yes, another charity shop has come to town, but there has also been news that finally, Wetherspoons have resolved land issues on site at the old Palladium, and that they expect to begin work very soon. However, this is by no means the answer to all of Midsomer Norton’s challenges, and those who have been analysing the results of the survey that appeared in The Journal on 1st June have been pleased at the insight that it has provided.

Sitting listening to the packed meeting on 2nd March, Journal Editor, Becky Brooks, was enthused by the response that the call to action received. “It was wonderful to see so many people at the meeting,” says Becky, “And it felt empowering that people were coming together to try and make a difference. But it is now really important that we do not let this momentum fall flat, and for all of us to try and offer our different skills to make a difference to the home town that we all know and love.

“None of us want to see Midsomer Norton fail, and all High Streets are facing challenges. But we have been looking at towns such as Frome, and even further afield to places such as Wells, to try and work out what they are doing right. At the meeting, I suggested we print a survey to find out what local shoppers really want from their High Street, and it has provided us with some telling results.”

A total of 539 shoppers had their say in the survey, carried out by Midsomer Norton’s Cognisant Research, 82% of which lived in the BA3 postcode area. Respondents to the shoppers’ survey were typically ‘frequent’ visitors to the High Street, with 76% visiting more than once a month and 56% visiting weekly. Unsurprisingly, the local Tesco store was the next most frequently visited shopping destination, with 57% of respondents visiting more than once a month.

Online shopping was identified before any other location, with 43% shopping more than once a month online and 28% every week. Bath and Radstock were the next most frequently visited areas at 21% and 18% respectively.

What was the most telling of the survey was respondents’ genuine affection and loyalty for our town. Whilst Tesco seems to be the place for the weekly food shop, Sainsbury’s and Lidl did well with regular top-up shops and customers then visiting the rest of the High Street for the independent traders, who scored highly on customer service.

Whilst it wasn’t a great revelation, the one main thing respondents want to see is a greater variety of shops, with Bath taking the main share of eating out and clothing, and this is definitely something the town needs to work on.

It seems Midsomer Norton needs to find out what its unique selling point is. What is the one thing that makes it stand above the rest? How do we make the town a destination shopping venue, bringing people in from across the area and enticing them away from Bath, Bristol, Frome and Wells?

Another area that the survey has thrown light upon is the need to strengthen the independent businesses that we have. Retail is changing, and the increase in online sales means that businesses will need to be more creative in future to entice shoppers to their premises, including being internet savvy and offering services such as click and collect. Key to this, is also better broadband access in the High Street, as well as the possibility of free WiFi access for shoppers.

Another issue, recently highlighted by The Journal, is access to public toilets, which falls short, particularly in the evenings and on Saturday afternoons. Whilst this is now on the agenda at Midsomer Norton Town Council, campaigners are wanting to take this need higher up, putting pressure on B&NES.

Controversially, High Street appearance also scored poorly, which was surprising, given how much effort has gone in to planting and sprucing up the town. Peeling paint, broken windows and a general lack of maintenance is part of the problem; which now means meetings with private landlords, due to be scheduled with the Chamber of Commerce, proposing a ‘sprucing up’ exercise.

But it also returns us to the old argument of the river, with respondents being unhappy about the way in which it has been planted and the associated costs. Whilst some could say it has softened the concrete structure which used to be full of litter, it is a focal point of our town and one worth getting right; with planting that will be sustainable and manageable for years to come.

So, what of the future? Well, Midsomer Norton needs to try and develop larger, modern, and purpose-built retail units to attract the larger retailers that shoppers are looking for, such as Boots, New Look and Primark. Retailers need to look at late night and Sunday opening times, but, until footfall improves, this could be a long, hard slog.

So, slowly meetings are being held and ideas are being put forward – what is essential is that conversations are taking place and the town is looking to the future. What’s for sure, is that The Journal will be keeping you updated with developments and in the meantime, you can give us your (constructive please) comments and feedback by emailing: [email protected]