BASINGSTOKE council has responded to criticisms that it is not doing enough to support businesses at the Top of Town and said the area is “thriving”.

As previously reported, the owners of The Gabardine Bar, in London Street, announced it is reducing its opening hours following a drop in footfall, and called on customers to support the independent business.

Fran O’Halloran, who owns the bar with her partner Kevin Nelson, said footfall has dropped since January and said “more investment is needed at the Top of Town” adding: “If people don’t support us we can’t carry on.”

Read more: The Gabardine Bar in Basingstoke pleads with public to support it

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has responded to say the Top of Town area is “thriving”.

A spokesperson for the council said: “We are working with Basingstoke town centre partners [to] provide a mix of shopping and leisure activities to keep it thriving and make it a more attractive place to spend time.

“This includes running an extensive programme of events, such as Diwali celebrations, Basingstoke Festival and free events throughout the school holidays. Some of these events took place in businesses, including The Gabardine Bar, to help them to raise their profile and attract new customers.”

It highlighted its Streets Alive project with local artists to improve the look of benches, planters and other street furniture and the grants it is offering businesses to host Coronation activities.

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The spokesperson added: “To support the Top of the Town area specifically, we have continued to offer one hour’s free parking at our council-owned car parks at Albert Yard, Castons Yard and Jacobs Yard, with the price of parking at the Top of the Town lower or consistent with Festival Place and lower than similar towns locally.

"Parking charges have also been frozen for the 2023/2024 financial year. It should also be noted that the Top of Town area is included in the council’s Town Centre regeneration masterplan which was adopted by cabinet in December 2022.

“Across the country, high streets and town centres are facing significant challenges due to people spending less as a result of the rising cost of living and we know this means businesses have to continue to adapt to cater to the changing needs of residents and visitors.

“The council is happy to accept applications from businesses, including change of use, to meet customer expectations.”