WE were extremely pleased to read last week of the proposed investment in improvements to Ashbourne’s park and riverside, although as far as our young granddaughter is concerned "It’s already really good".
I think she is most impressed with the water park and playground; we’re very grateful for those amenities.
The Henmore brook appears to offer great potential for attractive walkways both upstream and downstream of Dig Street.
We were, however, really saddened this week to see the headlines re closure of the market.
We ‘re led to believe that the independent shopkeepers and stallholders who help to provide the unique character of Ashbourne are facing difficult trading conditions, probably not helped by the gradual shift of food shopping away from the traditional centre of the town.
Reading further we discovered there are plans to close the Tourist Information Office too.
Even as residents we look in there most weeks as there is so much to discover locally.
We feel it’s the first place most visitors would search out when exploring the area.
For a town that values its tourist trade, these proposals seem to be in direct conflict.
We think Ashbourne is a great little shopping centre, especially on market days and has so much potential, with many traders sourcing local produce and products.
It’s interesting to compare Ashbourne with Bakewell which appears to be thriving, especially the market.
The two towns have so much in common i.e.
riverside walking, independent shops, rural setting, plus here, the events peculiar to Ashbourne, the Shrovetide Football, Highland Gathering, Street Fest etc are a bonus.
A visit to Bakewell market and shops for us is always complemented by a walk by the river and in summer a possible picnic in the park.
Surely the way forward is to enhance the market and TIC, giving focus to the historic centre of the town, plus, as proposed, the riverside, walks etc in order to encourage both local and visitor support.
Would it be possible to extend the market to include "themed" markets ie farmers market, craft market, antique market etc Perhaps an incentive to more stall holders short term ie reduced rates, could encourage and provide a long term gain, once established. An interesting market keeps the centre busy and vibrant all year round.
So many towns have no character or individuality. History and nature have endowed Ashbourne with so many attractions, so please reconsider and locals, please use or lose these amenities.
CONCERNED, ASHBOURNE
