Traffic trouble in Gorse Hill Picture Ref: 23271-77TRADERS in Gorse Hill are demanding that a plan is drawn up to boost the shopping area.

They held their first formal meeting for 15 years to discuss the options.

Fears centre around traffic congestion in Cricklade Road, the looming threat of car parking charges in Chapel Street and the monopoly Tesco has in the area.

North Swindon election candidate Michael Wills, attended Monday's meeting.

Shopkeepers say Gorse Hill will die on its feet unless action is taken and are desperately trying to scupper any plans allowing a Tesco Express in the area.

They believe the supermarket wants to open the shop just miles from the store in Ocotal Way.

"It's well known that Tesco can put other local businesses out of business because of the lower prices they can offer," said Mr Wills.

But Swindon Council says it has no record of plans for a Tesco Express in the area.

Expansion work is being done at the superstore with bosses promising to pay out £30,000 to help revamp the area once work is complete.

Traders, who say this cash is a drop in the ocean, are also angry that Gorse Hill has been overlooked in plans from the New Swindon Company to re-generate the town centre.

Geri Walker, of the Sunflower Caf, who could be forced to close her clothes shop, Top Gear, next week because of a downturn in trade, said: "We have been neglected for too long. It's time something was done."

Mike Titcombe, of Michael's Work Wear, Cricklade Road, welcomed the meeting but said there had been a history of broken promises.

Nearly two years ago at a traffic management and road safety meeting, councillors promised to help solve the congestion problems. Several traders suggested introducing a green filter at the traffic lights in Cricklade Road to allow cars to turn right easier.

"Nothing has been done to help Gorse Hill whatsoever," said Mr Titcombe.

"I think this meeting was a start but there is a long way to go."

A council spokesman said: "We are always open to suggestions about how to improve local communities."

Traders can drop off any questions and comments they want brought up at the next meeting to Michael's Work Wear, Cricklade Road, between 9am and noon.

The deadline for this is next Tuesday.

Why the shopkeepers are up in arms

Shopkeepers say there was a downturn in trade when traffic lights, which replaced the controversial table junction in Cricklade Road, were introduced in 2002. They say heavy congestion is putting off shoppers.

Fury was caused when Swindon Council announced it could bring in fees at the Chapel Street car park. The council says some-thing is needed to stop people abusing it by leaving there cars there all day but traders say they will be doomed if people have to pay.

Traders say they have been overlooked in regeneration plans for Swindon. They want the New Swindon Company, which is looking at ways of revamping the town centre, to include them in future proposals.

Shopkeepers want bus services, which were withdrawn, to be reinstated to give shoppers more opportunity to get to Gorse Hill.

Complaints have also been made about the monopoly Tesco has on the area. Traders say its store in Ocotal way is drawing shoppers away from area and fear possible plans for a Tesco Express in Gorse Hill could force more businesses to close.

Traders fear customers are shopping elsewhere because of a deluge of fast food outlets. There are about 14 in a half-mile stretch.

The area's problems have meant businesses have closed with at least seven vacant shops along Cricklade Road and traders. And the shopping centre suffers from drug dealing, prostitution and petty crime.

Ben Payne