BUSINESSMEN in Weymouth insist the future of the town’s trade can be safeguarded with the right help.

Shop owners and other traders identified high rates and private rents, parking problems and, for some, street pedlars as the main issues to be addressed.

The businessmen also feel that the forthcoming summer season could be just the tonic the town needs to get it back on its feet.

Graham Acutt, 46, has been helping to run Acutts clothing store in Bond Street since he left school at 16 and his family has owned a clothing store in the town for more than 100 years.

He feels the business has survived because of its quality of service but identified parking as a particular bugbear for visitors to the town.

He said: “I think the key has been keeping prices reasonable, being helpful to our customers and giving a good service.

“I think the problem in the town now is that most people coming to this end of the town can do their shopping in half an hour or less, so if they get a free space they pop in and pop out again.

“Customers have a hell of a time getting somewhere to park around here and I also feel that if you pay business rates in the town, you should be able to get a free parking space with it.”

Ian Denley, who has been running Shakies milkshake shop in Bond Street for three years, feels some street traders can detract from shops’ trade in the town.

He said: “The high rents in the town are ridiculous.

“I looked at the old O2 store but I can’t afford the annual rate for it.

“I also don’t think it’s too fair that some street traders can pay a pittance to take away trade from the main shops.”

Pat Silverton, 61, helps run the St Alban Street Support Group and has been decorating the street with bunting since last May.

Mr Silverton said it is an example of how businesses can pitch in a little cash and effort to help remain appealing to their customers through lean times.

He said: “If traders want to see changes in the town they need to get up and do something about it.

“The last town centre traders meeting I went to, there were only nine people there, and two of them were police officers.

“If people want to see a change they need to start taking part.”

Matthew Pye, of commercial property lettings agents Bartle Pye, also insisted the town was not in the doldrums.

He said: “As commercial property agents we know that there are plenty of people still interested in town centre shop premises in Weymouth.

He added: “We have no control, unfortunately, over the institutionally-owned premises controlled by out of town agents who have no real understanding of the local economy, but we are trying to approach these investment or private pension funds and advise them.”