The future of Holbeach town centre could look clearer if plans for a meeting of parish, district and county council officials goes ahead.
Reviving empty business premises and increased parking provision are both expected to be on the agenda if the meeting parish councillors want to have with South Holland District Council’s economic development team and county highways officials takes place.
Representatives from both organisations are to be invited to Holbeach in the coming months to visit the town centre and talk with parish councillors who believe the town is losing out to Long Sutton and Spalding.
The idea was proposed at a council meeting on Monday when members discussed a letter from Holbeach property owner Ian Venni who claimed the town’s biggest problem was a lack of shoppers.
Speaking to the Guardian, Mr Venni said: “I’ve lived around the Holbeach area most of my life and the main improvement I’d like to see is with footfall, but parking seems to be the biggest issue.
“We’re told that there’s ample parking on Boston Road South but most of the people who shop in town are elderly and they aren’t willing to park on Boston Road South and walk all the way up to the other end of town.
“There’s an ample possibility for parking on both sides of High Street for people who want to shop in town for an hour.”
Coun Isobel Hutchinson said: “We’ll invite both district and county council officials to come down but whether they will or not is another matter.
“We have to be a bit more proactive about promoting Holbeach in the same way that Long Sutton and Spalding promote themselves.”