THE CITY Centre Partnership has backed traders in their objection to two more charity shops in Crane Street.
As reported in last week’s Observer, traders in the city-centre street were left angry by plans for the shops.
In total, there are 21 units, including five current charity shops, in the street and traders said they were worried about the ‘excessive’ proportion of charity shops.
Kim Long, city centre manager, said: “With the potential loss of Little London Walk we need these shops for new and displaced independents and so we are disappointed to hear that there may be another charity shop moving into Crane Street.
“We’re working hard to drive footfall in to our character-full, tucked-away streets, such as Crane Street, and we would rather see landlords courting higher-value stores that could help improve the streets and the product offer, ultimately bringing in more spenders.
“We have L’Occitane moving in to Chichester soon which is at odds with inviting more charity shops. There is enough competition between the existing eight charity shops, and another will impact on the ones the city already enjoys and supports.”