Representation and Communication
The Chamber (and therefore the views of its members) is represented on all local decision-making and budget-holding bodies:
Stamford’s Future Development
During 2006 the Chamber published a document titled ‘Stamford 3000’. Every home in Stamford received a copy, as of course did each Chamber member. This document was filled with ideas about different design and infrastructure possibilities, the idea being to stimulate thought and debate among Stamfordians. The feedback received from this initiative has been analysed and will be used to guide future decisions and initiatives relating to improvements to the visual appeal and desirability of Stamford as a town to live in, work in or visit.
Planning
The Chamber opposes the planned retail park on the Blackstones site, on the grounds that it will drain business away from town centre retailers and will also jeopardise the implementation of the Stamford Eastern Relief Road and the Stamford Ring Road. We have been successful in having the original planning consent overturned through Judicial Review and we continue to act to preserve the vitality of Stamford Town Centre.
Our members have been generally supportive of the redevelopment of Red Lion Square & Sheepmarket; the Chamber has focused on solutions to the parking issues that have arisen as a consequence. We also opposed the idea of introducing a one way system.
The Chamber opposes any development on land between the A1 and Stamford in order to preserve the town’s historic landscape.
Car Parking
The Chamber believes a car park under the Recreation Ground is a potential solution to many of Stamford’s parking problems. We have sponsored some preliminary feasibility studies and are lobbying to maintain impetus behind the project. The idea of an underground car park was strongly supported in a recent survey of our members.
We are also vigorously pursuing the implementation by SKDC of our parking charges recommendations. We hope to lower charges in general, thereby increasing visitor turnover
Traffic
The chamber have considered all routes and following an independent study believe an Eastern relief road will be the best solution to Stamford. Provision for a relief road has now been built into LCC’s long term Highways planning.
Crime
The town shop watch radio scheme is supported by the Chamber, resulting in a reduction in shoplifting & crime.
The chamber was a driving force behind the introduction of the CCTV system.
Litter
The Chamber has been persistent in lobbying for a number of actions to control Stamford’s litter problems. We have been successful in persuading SKDC to buy a gum removing machine and also we have been instrumental in encouraging the employment of a street cleaner solely for the town centre. The Chamber has made suggestions that the late night take-aways in the town centre should take responsibility for the litter outside their premises.
Following consistent pressure, CCTV cameras have been installed, pictures of litter louts are published in the press and the police are now issuing litter droppers with £50 fines.
Chamber Initiatives
We have project-managed several initiatives to stimulate usage of Red Lion Square by the public. Art on Fridays now runs successfully every summer and a return of market stalls to the Square on Saturdays has been organised.
We have, with sponsorship from the Stamford Town partnership and the Town Council, installed a nestbox in the steeple of St. Mary's church with the idea of attracting peregrine falcons to nest there. This would at the same time be a tourist attraction and a deterrent to the town’s excess population of pigeons!
Other Activities
Through funding a bid application we kick-started the planning and implementation of the highly successful Stamford Christmas festival in 2009. We continue to support, through volunteer time and appropriate funding, all other initiatives that will bring visitors into our historic town.