A new voucher scheme is to be launched in Burnham-On-Sea later this year to encourage coach drivers to bring day-trippers back into the town.
Traders in Burnham are increasingly concerned that the Pier Street coach park, pictured, is often empty because coach drivers receive incentives to drop their passengers at out-of-town sites, such as Sanders Garden World at Brent Knoll.
Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade says this means the town centre misses out on vital shoppers – and several members have this week unveiled proposals to introduce a brand new voucher scheme to encourage coach drivers into Burnham.
“It’s important that we get the coaches and day-trippers back in Burnham, particularly during a recession when some businesses need as much help as possible,” said Louise Parkin, manager of the Pier Pavilion, who is pictured with Sonia Fudge, manager of the Bay View Cafe, who are both behind the voucher scheme.
“We’ve already approached several businesses in the town centre who are keen to help and would encourage others to get in touch.”
“We hope to provide the vouchers for coach drivers so they can claim free, or low-cost, goods and services. We have many shops in Burnham and could offer good incentives.”
The scheme is set to be launched as a pilot later this year, with a full scheme rolling out in 2010.
The Chamber of Trade is also pressing Sedgemoor District Council to re-locate the recycling bins away from the coaches in the Pier Street car park.
Plans to launch the coach campaign were first featured on Burnham-On-Sea.com in January this year amid concern about the falling number of day trippers.
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Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade
