YESTERDAY I had lunch in one of Marlborough’s high street pubs, which was full of local shop owners. The topic of conversation was the proposed increase in business rates and how it would affect the high street.
Marlborough has a good blend of individual shops and those that are part of chains, which provides a good balance of products and services. Most people seem to conclude that this mix was partly what made Marlborough a popular tourist town. However, a further conclusion was that any increase in business rates would force the demise of most of the independent shops and that if this happens, they would be replaced by more bland chain stores and charity shops.
The purpose of this letter is to bring to your attention that Marlborough High Street will deteriorate significantly if these crippling increases are forced on the independent shops.
PHILLIP HUNT
Eastcourt
Burbage
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