An impassioned appeal for action to save Biggleswade’s town centre from decline has been met with a barrage of support.

In last week’s Comet, town Councillor Madeline Russell spelled out the need for Central Beds Council to help create more parking for shoppers, bring in new customer service businesses such as hair dressers and banks, better promotion on social media and mentoring from larger businesses to help boost the town centre in the face of competition.

This week people have echoed her views. On the well-subscribed ‘We Love Biggleswade’ Facebook page, Lennie Waller posted: “About time someone said Biggleswade needs parking, been saying that for months.”

Pete Carter said: “I agree, there needs to be an action plan and a policy of protection of commercial interests in the town centre.”

Tony Wilson posted: “It’s never going to be a vibrant town centre full of vitality when there’s vacant shops because landlords demand unrealistic rents.”

Others called for a new bus station to free up the market square for events. Philip Sheldon said: “The town centre is on the brink, it could go either way. With a bit of imagination and effort it could become a diverse and vibrant place to visit, or it could be left to die.”

It comes as Central Beds council approved controversial plans for a derelict factory at Bonds Lane to become flats last week, with limited parking, amid fears it could aggravate the parking issues and traffic problems in the town centre.

Email news@thecomet.net with your views.