A NORTH Cornwall resident is on a mission to revitalise Launceston’s town centre through one simple change.

Peter Swann lives in Rezare but has launched a mission to bring life back to Launceston’s town centre, supporting local businesses and increasing footfall.

Peter believes that a change to the town’s parking could encourage greater spending.

He said: “Like many people who visit Launceston, regularly or occasionally, I am so disappointed by what I see. An open, ancient town with pedestrian areas, old architecture, ancient buildings, but something is missing. As I look closer, I see quiet shops with no customers, empty shopfronts, closed bank buildings. And I wonder why it should be like this.”

Peter was thrust into action following a call for support from a local business owner online. At the end of June, Black Cat Books, a new business in the town, called for support of local businesses following a week of incredibly slow trade.

The business said: “This week has been tough for every Launceston business I have spoken to! Instead of busy shops we have these barren wastelands and we just won’t be able to keep going without your support. We love what we do but towns are just better with people in them. When I first opened my doors the shop was thronging with people saying how important it is to keep local businesses alive. Please come in and see us! Every purchase makes a difference, no matter how small. We can’t survive without you!”

Following this, alongside conversation with Black Cat’s owner, Peter took to the drawing board to consider what could solve Launceston’s footfall problem.

He continued: “There may be many problems and very few solutions. But there is something that can be done, and that is to stop car parking charges from being part of the problem and instead, be part of the solution.

“Launceston is well endowed with carparks. There are six public carparks. One is owned by Launceston Town Council and is for both short and long term parking. Five are owned by Cornwall Council, with two long term and three short term carparks.”

However, despite plentiful car parks, Peter believes that the charges and length of stay associated with them is putting visitors off taking their time in the town centre, as residents are being forced to rush their trip as they don’t wish to pay the fee required of a stay longer than 30 minutes.

He said: “So this is my suggestion, a progressive tariff. In the underused Cattle Market Short Term Carpark, charge £1.00 for three hours.

“No change to the tariffs at any other carpark. The aim is to dispel any sense of urgency that parkers have to return to their vehicle, and therefore giving them the chance to do the business they came to town for, and then do a bit of browsing in shops they wouldn’t previously have had time for.”

Peter is calling for support surrounding this proposal, setting up a petition, which can be found via: www.change.org/p/change-launceston-parking-tariffs-to-encourage-more-town-centre-shopping.