What Local Shoppers Say75% of shoppers recently surveyed in Bass Coast Shire support footpath trading By Carol McCormack - 1st June 2001 - Back to News 75% of shoppers recently surveyed in Bass Coast Shire support footpath trading with 84% of them wanting the displays, furniture and advertising to be uncluttered, safe and attractive.
A survey of 350 local residents and visitors was conducted over the recent Easter weekend and on Thursday 26 April. The survey was conducted by the Gippsland Research and Information Service (GRIS) to find out what the shopping public thinks of the issue of footpath trading. People were surveyed in the shopping precincts of Wonthaggi, Cowes, Inverloch, San Remo and Grantville
Shoppers surveyed said the major benefits of footpath trading is that the displays and cafe tables and chairs attracts shoppers, catches shopper eyes, is good for business, provides advertising and is part of the shopping experience.
Shoppers identified the major disadvantages of footpath trading as it made footpaths overcrowded, too cluttered, and no room for pedestrians.
A majority of those surveyed said that their concerns about footpath trading related mainly to access for groups in the community including visually impaired, people with disabilities, aged or frail persons and parents with prams. Concerns for these groups related to safety and maneuverability, not enough space and obstructions on the footpath.
Council will use the results of the survey, together with the feedback from the workshops and one-to-one discussions with people, in the development of a new footpath trading code for shopping precincts in the Shire.
The results of the GRIS survey are available from all Bass Coast Shire Council offices.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: basscoastshire@gippslander.com

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