WODONGA Council should heed the concerns identified by the city’s former mayor Graham Crapp in his criticisms of a council proposal to close Hovell Street at Woodland Grove.
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Mr Crapp has drawn upon his experience on Wodonga Council as well as his business partnership in Wodonga Pharmacy for 24 years to highlight reasons he believes the move would prove a financial disaster for city retailers.
On two occasions before Mr Crapp was elected to the council he fought against the closure of the street for the same reasons and he says the council is jeopardising the financial viability of more than 100 businesses by pushing for the closure.
He has given examples of how temporary closures of the street cut income by as much as half during the time he was in business in High Street.
Mr Crapp also cited studies of the shopping precinct previously undertaken by consultants who determined its retail success depended on easy access and good parking.
Wodonga Council will host an information session with retailers tomorrow which is sure to attract plenty of interest and comment from those wanting to offer their views.
