ILMINSTER shopkeepers say the town is still open for business despite fears that further roadworks planned in the town and area could hit trade.

For a year the Beacon road was closed, followed by further roadworks at Puckington and in the town itself. Now there is to be a four-month period of work at nearby Donyatt, while further work will follow in the Station Road area.

At the latest Chamber of Trade and Commerce meeting traders said they felt the town had had its fair share of roadworks.

“The work has to be done, of course,” said Silver Street butcher Clinton Bonner.

“But at a time when the town is looking its best, it is a shame we have to have more of it during the next four months.

“It can hit footfall into shops as people become worn down by the frequency of these roadworks and there is the chance some might not come back to shop in the town.

“It does impact on traders, the town and its services but we remain upbeat – Ilminster is still open for business.”

Chamber chairman Phil Wyatt said: “Ilminster is a vibrant town and a great place to live so we will overcome this. Unlike other towns in the area, businesses are eager to join the ‘Ilminster bandwagon’.

“The chamber is keen and determined to keep this trend going by supporting town events and services. We would love more businesses to join us at our meetings and share their views on ideas for the future to keep Ilminster at the top.”

The chamber fears that the lack of parking space for coaches could be losing the town visitors and trade.

Now it is to ask Ilminster Town Council to investigate the possibility of providing a coach parking space at the Stonemasons car park.

A chamber spokesman said: “This would allow people to be dropped off in the town, so coach drivers could wait for their pick up time and return to the centre. There are very restricted opportunities for coaches to park in the town centre.”

The chamber is also to ask the town council for its support in getting two hours free parking every day in all of the town car parks, although the final decision will rest with South Somerset District Council.

Other towns have successfully introduced two hours free parking and it has been shown to improve trade and provide a boost for the local town centre economy.

The chamber spokesman added: “While it would result in a loss of car park revenue, it has been shown to have a positive impact on towns.”

Members stressed that the one hour free on-street parking in the town was a great asset and should be protected. It was also decided to ask the district council if there is criteria that shows whether the town is over or under-provided with parking spaces for a town of its size.

n ILMINSTER Chamber of Trade and Commerce is looking for action to be taken on disabled blue badge drivers who are possibly abusing parking restrictions in the town.

Members are asking Ilminster council in its parking review to monitor the blue badge holders who leave their cars parked in restricted areas, often for weeks at a time.