Put the pride back into Welling

12.00.00am GMT Sat 17th Jan 2009

Local Liberal Democrat community champion Grace Goodlad at the cannon in Welling dedicated to munitions workers at the Royal Arsenal housed in East Wickham during WW1. Grace Goodlad says; “East Wickham people have good reason to be proud. It is time the council remembered that .”

East Wickham Liberal Democrat campaigner Grace Goodlad and Liberal Democrat Old Bexley & Sidcup have launched an action plan for Welling.

Grace says; "Many local residents tell me how upset they are that Welling Town Centre has become run down, but they think so much more could be done by the local council to boost the area.

"It is total madness that the Conservative council didn't get Tesco to remain open while the Coop is being converted, rather than having both shops closed at the same time. Tesco would have had increased trade as a result of staying open while the Coop is converted to a Morrisons.

"The loss of trade is seeing many smaller shops also close, with many empty shops in the town. Even the Koffi Pot, which has been in Welling for over 70 years, has recently closed."

Grace Goodlad, who has had a leading role as a councillor in improving shopping centres like Welling, is calling for :

* Reduced parking charges. It is totally unfair that local councillors get free parking in Bexleyheath, while East Wickham residents have to pay ever increasing charges to park at their local shops.

* Public toilets in Welling.

* Better cleaning of local streets.

* Transport for London to look at improved small bus links for remote areas, such as Poets Corner.

* Improved street furniture and hanging baskets

* The council to lower commercial rents on any council owned shops to stimulate trade.

* A dedicated Town Centre Manager in Welling to work with shops and the community to promote Welling as a shopping and community centre.

Duncan Borrowman says; "Welling and East Wickham have been let down by the Conservatives. Far more needs to be done to revitalise the town centre. And, with the loss of the Post Office in Bellegrove Road many residents really struggle to get to local shops."