Comments on The WORCESTER PARK Blog: A Plumb Note

A large chunk of the population is out at work all...

2012-01-15T21:16:18.977Z

A large chunk of the population is out at work all day so can't frequent local shops other than at weekends or evenings. This chunk of the population is probably relatively cash rich too. If I was an independent trader I know who my target market would be. I hate Tesco and the like, but it does know its market and provides services to suit it. I guess that's why big chains are so successful and high streets up and down the country are dying.

When I visit Independent Trader estblishement, I a...

2012-01-11T22:24:42.822Z

When I visit Independent Trader estblishement, I am of the mind that they work pretty hard, and long hours. So although sometimes their opening times may be an inconvenience, for example on saturday afternoons, I can accept my mild frustrations, and just remind myself to get up earlier. Afterall I don't work on saturdays, so its a bit much for me to expect an independent trader to do so.
Next we will be expecting these small firms to be open on Bank Holidays and next 24 hours. Yep drive off to B&Q if that bothers you. But don't then whing aboute state of our High Streets.

The initial report could have just advised a chang...

2012-01-11T17:58:17.254Z

The initial report could have just advised a change of closing time at 12:30 on a Saturday. That would have been polite, useful and all that is needed.

It didn't need the rest but because it is there, it's tone comes across to me as a criticism of a well established business.

Central Plumbing Supplies, on the corner of Brinkl...

2012-01-11T16:27:34.495Z

Central Plumbing Supplies, on the corner of Brinkley Road, has taken the curious decision to shut at 12.30 every Saturday 'because of the roadworks' on Central Road - which both perplexed and disappointed me when I turned up there at 1 o'clock on Saturday, having walked past Worcester Park's other retailers who all seemed to be going about their business as usual.
NOT ALL WERE OPEN CURIOUS YOU DON'T MENTION THEM

It was disappointing too for the other couple who arrived at the shop a few seconds after me and were similarly turned away by the hand written sign in the window.

THE SAME NOTE WHICH HAS BEEN THERE FOR THE PAST 3 MONTHS.

Fortunately I have never found that the roadworks cause any traffic problems on a Saturday, which meant I was able to breeze out of Worcester Park and take my cold hard cash to B&Q who were most definitely open for business.

ACTUALLY YOUR OTHER BOG POSTS RANT A LITTLE ON THE ROADWORKS SO NOT SURE WHERE YOU'RE GOING WITH THIS...IT'S ALSO A GOOD JOB YOU DON'T DRIVE A LORRY AND NEED TO MAKE DELIVERIES TO A..SAY..PLUMBING SHOP WITH ROADWORKS GOING ON.

Where the other couple took their custom I shall never know, but I can't help wondering if this particular retailer hasn't scored a bit of an own goal.

I'M SURE B&Q WERE GREATFUL FOR THE 25p YOU PAID FOR THE WASHER YOU NEEDED.

WORCESTER PARK BLOG or WORCESTER PARK BASH?

Cue the defenseive response which seems to be coming on the back of anyone daring to disagree with the thoughts and opinions of others....

I wish my saturdays were as exciting as yours !!

2012-01-11T00:53:14.710Z

I wish my saturdays were as exciting as yours !!

How is this harsh? Reading the post tells me that ...

2012-01-10T22:17:51.530Z

How is this harsh? Reading the post tells me that the WP Blogger supports local businesses, that he was disappointed that he couldn't spend his money locally and that he thinks a local business is unnecessarily losing custom.

He has also now told all the local people reading it that the shop closes early on Saturday, so all local people reading it now know that they have to be before half noon! And if the business owners read it, they will be alerted to the fact that they are losing potential custom.

So what exactly is harsh about that, people?

I have to agree with the inital comment. A little ...

2012-01-10T19:55:18.159Z

I have to agree with the inital comment. A little harsh on a trader that has been in the community for many, many years.
Agree that a note to your readers about the temporary changes to opening times is a valid use of the blog. With so few "original" high street traders left in the high street, I think we need to be a little more tolerant of their decision.

"Why do you feel the need to report this?&quo...

2012-01-10T16:42:33.030Z

"Why do you feel the need to report this?"
...Because it notifies residents (particularly if they work during the week) that if they need plumbing supplies on a Saturday, they need to get round to Central Plumbing Supplies in the morning or go elsewhere.

Even the pet shop's cat can work that one out!

What alternative would you suggest? Keeping the trader’s early closing on Saturday a secret, so everyone is equally unlucky enough to get the opportunity to find the shop closed and read the handwritten note in person?

And how exactly does one utilise "direct communication" with an absent trader, outside a closed premises? Via a blog perhaps?

“public flogging”, “rhetoric” , “hissy fit”. What’s wrong with you? Would else would you like to keep secret? The roadworks? The elections? Community events? News of any new traders?

Why do you feel the need to report this? It is aft...

2012-01-10T08:18:10.595Z

Why do you feel the need to report this? It is after all a minor inconvenience as you were able to go to B&Q. Central Plumbing Supplies felt that they had a good reason to close when they did, and I think a direct communication to them from you, explaining what had happened, would have been far more useful to them than a public flogging.

There is a lot of rhetoric on this blog about the Worcester Park traders, and what they should and shouldn't be doing. Give them a break and try being pro active in supporting them rather than using this blog to have a hissy fit.