Could football fans be the answer to a declining footfall rate in the town? We ask businesses what they think…
Recent figures have revealed that footfall in Spalding is declining – which has prompted the question of what can be done to boost numbers.
Following the promotion of Spalding United last year, the club has seen an increase in crowds with one game attracting 1,708 people in April. The Tulips’ 5-1 away win over in-form Bedford Town at the weekend shows the club could continue its upward trajectory.
A crowd of 1,700 celebrated Spalding United’s celebration. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Coun Gary Taylor has questioned whether there could be a connection between successful football teams and town centres. He said: “When Spalding United was promoted, the games were bringing in 4-500 fans. If we could double that to 1,000, it would have some impact on the economics of the town centre.
“Visitors will book to stay in hotels, or visits pubs, restaurants and shops.
“I think there is a connection between successful football teams and town centres.”
Coun Gary Taylor
We spoke to hotels and pubs in the town to find out what their reaction to this.
The Red Lion Hotel, Bar and Restaurant on the Market Place, welcomes the idea and hopes it is something which could be invested in. General Manager, Kirsty Berry said: “When Spalding plays at home, there is a noticeable difference in our trade.
Red Lion Hotel in Spalding
“We see more families when the team are away and our customers are predominantly male when Spalding are playing at home.
“We’d want it to be invested because it will be the town that benefits not just businesses.
“We pride ourselves as being a community asset in the market place. If we can get more footfall in the town, it will make Spalding a better place – ultimately, nobody wants to live in a place they aren’t proud of.”
Gemma Williams, who is the General Manager at the Cley Hall Hotel on High Street, admitted the business doesn’t monitor when Spalding plays at home but does notice an increase in bookings when there are events on in the town.
She said: “We’re all up for bringing more footfall into Spalding and we’d be willing to offer a promotion to fans traveling for the games specifically.
The Cley Hall Hotel PHOTO: Google Maps
“We don’t monitor when the football is on, but we do notice an influx in bookings when there are events on in the town and I think if we could offer a discount it would encourage people even more.
“We are practically fully booked when Spalding Flower Parade takes place, and we are already 65% occupied since the date was released for next year.”
The Sir Halley Stewart ground
However, some traders do not believe it will improve footfall in the town and would like to see business rates lowered to reduce the number of empty shops.
Pub owner at The Moorings on Commercial Road, Kier Moore, said: “I don’t think investing in the football club will help pubs and businesses in the town – why would they come to the pub when they can get a drink from the bar inside the ground?
“If there was a map at the train station or bus stop with beer icons or cutlery to show where pubs and restaurants are that could help push people in the right direction so they know where to go.
The outside seating area overlooks the Welland, and a family of swansThe Moorings in Spalding
“The town is run down. When we moved here 24 years ago it was thriving.
“If they want to start investing in the town, they need to lower the business rates to get rid of the empty shops and attract more people to set up a business in the town.”
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below…