Rick Stein left at the start of October. But Jimmy’s Kebab van wants to move from the present George Lane car park location up to the High Street, seven nights every week between 6pm and 11pm. Where? ‘In the middle’ of the High Street.
The proprietors of Jimmy’s Kebabs, which has been running succesfully out of the George lane car park now for some while have applied for Street Trading Consent to operate, every evening from a pitch in the middle of the High Street.
Not suggesting that Jimmy’s could be a direct replacement for Rick’s, but…..
This application was discussed at last night’s meeting of the Town Council Planning Committee (Monday 27 October), and while all were in agreement that the operation in the George Lane car park site had worked well, the High Street was a very different environment, with very different issues to consider. Health & Safety – an obvious issue. Whilst there may be a 20mph limit up and down the High Street, there are still cars travelling in both directions, at all times. And in the dark, if there is the likely good take-up for the kebab van, especially after pubs have closed, a very different situation to that of the Saturday or Wednesday markets where cars and pedestrians seem to work well together in a shared space, but each can see the other. At night, late especially, not so. Quite different to that currently in George Lane car park.
Another issue raised was the effect of this move on other businesses in the town. Fixed premises, where rent and business rates are the basics and have to be covered first before any running costs are considered. For Jimmy, it’s just running costs. All other takeaway vendors, operating from fixed (expensive) locations will be at an immediate disadvantage and in the middle of the High Street, Jimmy’s will have by far the best position available. Enough businesses in and around the High Street area are finding life tough, this could drive any business that offers fast food in the evening out of business altogether.
No-one had any comment about the quality of what Jimmy’s Kebab van offers but the key issues are quite different. Former Mayor, Wiltshire Councillor Marlborough East Kym-Marie Cleasby, herself owner of a catering business (not in any way in competition with Jimmy’s) was concerned about the precedent that this could set. Should the middle of Marlborough High Street become a fast food emporium area whilst existing fixed premises business are driven out? Or other new vendors arrive and run on this ‘cheap’ low cost / prime position basis, putting ever more pressure on those existing businesses? Maybe these businesses could move from fixed (expensive) premises to ‘street’ vans? Just to be on the same basis as this new competition? And get more trade.
The Committee voted to object and pass their refusal, and reasons why up to Wiltshire Council for them to decide.
So whilst we mourn the loss of Rick Stein, an upper end quality restaurant, could Marlborough shift to a Street Trading fast food van culture? That would be a real change in profile for our hospitality businesses.
Residents Parking Zones – Town Council to proceed with zones in two areas
