Have a Voice - A Town Asset

Key events at this time of the year are the Isabel Hospice Lights of Love Ceremony and the same evening Buntingford's Late Night Shopping. Many townsfolk have spent a great deal of their own time preparing, planning and getting their hands dirty to ensure these occasions are a success and fully enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

I would like to focus in this piece on a tremendous Town asset which can, but should not, be taken for granted. At a recent meeting of ANTAS ( Association of North Thames Amenity Societies ) I was struck by the reported retail outlets decline and deprivation in so many communities. Colleagues were speechless when I briefly outlined the shops and services so close to hand in Buntingford.

It made me realise how fortunate we are with a wide range of retailers supplying a multiplicity of goods and services all within walking distance for most people in the Town ( have we a sustainability model on our doorsteps ?)

I understand from the Chamber of Commerce that something in excess of 300 people are employed in the High Street and I would hazard a guess that retail gross turnover is many millions per annum. The message must be to cherish and support our valuable retail resource for if we permit it to decline the consequences for Buntingford and surrounding villages would in due course be disastrous.

Just to emphasise the point and apologies for any omissions here are some of the specialisations at your service :- high quality butchers,sensible sized supermarkets, prescription dispensing, ophthalmic services,dental services, complementary medicine, healthcentres, DIY supplies, hairdressers and specialist salons, dry cleaning, undertakers, cafes and delicatessens, furniture, restaurants and wine bar, banking, boutique, post office general store, newsagent, bicycle servicing, florists, gift shops and a pet shop.

There are few small towns that can match that list and it is in our interests to use these retail outlets and be alert to actions which could undermine Buntingford High Street.

Finally, enjoy the Isabel Hospice Lights of Love Ceremony, enjoy the Christmas lights, enjoy the Late Night Shopping and season's greetings to all from Buntingford Civic Society.

Derek K Cooper, Chairman.

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