Easton Businesses Grapple with Parking Issues, Pigeons, and Crime as Residents and Customers Seek Alternatives
In the heart of Easton, a neglected commercial strip of shops on A432 Fishponds Road is facing a myriad of challenges that are driving both customers and residents away. The problems plaguing this area include parking scarcity, issues with sex workers, crime concerns, vandalized shopfronts, and pesky pigeons nesting in buildings and leaving unsightly droppings.
Abdul Malik, owner of Pakeeza Butchers and Pak Butchers branches, is an advocate for the independent businesses in the area. He believes that without proper investment and support from Bristol City Council, residents, and external traders, the future of these businesses hangs in the balance. Malik is passionate about transforming Fishponds Road into a bustling High Street that serves the needs of the community.
Parking has been a persistent issue for the area, making it difficult for suppliers to deliver goods to shops without risking parking fines. Additionally, residents struggle to find parking spaces near the shops, further discouraging customers from visiting. These challenges have had a significant impact on the local businesses, hindering their growth and prosperity.
Vandalism and graffiti have also been ongoing concerns, tarnishing the visual appeal of the shops and the surrounding streets. However, it is the proliferation of pigeons that has become a paramount issue. The birds have been causing havoc by soiling the businesses, streets, and overall atmosphere. In fact, Pakeeza Butchers received a zero hygiene rating due to pigeons nesting in their signs, resulting in significant financial losses and the installation of anti-pigeon spikes across various shopfronts.
Furthermore, the presence of sex workers in the area has been an ongoing problem for years. Malik and his staff have witnessed sex work occurring near the shops regularly, both during the day and in the evening. Addressing these social issues is crucial for the revival of the area and the restoration of a safe and welcoming environment.
Malik emphasizes the need for investment in the Fishponds Road area, particularly in light of the fact that neighboring zones are receiving substantial amounts of money from the government’s Future High Streets Fund. He believes that this funding could be used to tackle the pigeon problem, address other antisocial behaviors, and improve street cleaning. However, it appears that there is a lack of cohesive planning and focused attention on the trading areas, causing concern within the community.
As a respected community figure, having been involved with initiatives such as the Stapleton Road Action Group, serving as a magistrate at the Bristol Magistrates Court, and being a former councillor and leader at Easton Jamia Mosque, Malik intends to establish a traders association to advocate for businesses’ interests and work towards the regeneration of the area. He believes that effective communication and collaboration with the council, police, and parking services, along with community involvement, are pivotal in driving positive change.
Bristol City Council and Avon and Somerset Police have been approached for comment, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts from various stakeholders to address the challenges faced by the Easton shops and restore the commercial strip’s vibrancy.
In conclusion, Easton’s commercial strip on Fishponds Road is grappling with numerous issues, including parking scarcity, pigeons, crime, and sex work. These challenges have resulted in a decline in customers and residents opting for alternative options. To revitalize the area, investment, strategic planning, and collaboration are essential. By addressing the parking concerns, pigeon problem, crime issues, and supporting the local businesses, there is a chance for Fishponds Road to thrive as a true community-centric High Street.
