Regarding the financial shortfall of income at STEAM, I believe it is not the fault of the exhibition which is excellent and must be visited to be appreciated.
The main problems that need investigation are that it is poorly sign-posted, and it is the visitors you are trying to attract. Also it appears to have no real promotion.
The car parking is definitely causing many visitors to stay away, because if you are a poor walker, the distance is too great.
I believe wheelchairs are available within the building, but this does not help with the walk to get there.
Also because car parking is paid by the hour, the longer you stay in the exhibition the more you pay, which isn't clear to visitors until you leave to collect your car.
If you visit the Outlet Village and spend £10 or more, you have your car parking fee paid for you. Surely the council and the Outlet Village manager should be talking to each other to find a possible solution.
After all you come out of Steam and go straight into the shopping area of the village, therefore the increase they must now have in extra passing trade must be considerable.
On BBC Wiltshire Sound there have been many calls to the station with the same comments.
Maybe if the council acts quick enough they will avoid making staff redundant, and possibly reduce the subsidy they will be paying to STEAM.
GRAHAM SPEAR
High Street
Chiseldon
Swindon
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