SOUTHBOURNE’S parking situation has “killed off” some of the town’s trade, according to a business owner.

Clive Mace, owner of The Grove Tavern and treasurer of Southbourne-on-Sea Business Association, said several issues had led to the closure of businesses in the area, namely higher business rates and the reduction in on-street parking spaces along Southbourne Grove and Seabourne Road.

Now the council has decided to sell part of the area’s main car park at Woodside Road to developers, and the car park at Southbourne Crossroads.

“I don’t think developing them is going to help as we’ve got a parking issue in Southbourne," Mr Mace said.

“We opposed the council’s policy of taking away on-street parking in the high street. It’s put people off from coming here, which has been quite detrimental to some businesses.

“We’ve seen the effect of taking parking away. It’s killed off a lot of the trade, particularly from the Pokesdown side.”

He added: “What the traders have suggested to the council, to resolve the issue of the underused Woodside Road car park, is a permit scheme. We had a vote at a traders meeting and at least six or seven business owners said they would buy a permit. If we can get shop owners and staff parking in the car park, it would help.”

While Southbourne has seen several of its shops, bars and cafes close, locals are still positive about the area.

Joanna Ingleton, who has lived in the area for three years, said: “I love Southbourne.

“There are a few shops which have shut down recently, but you’ve got places like Brewhouse and The Wight Bear, which are doing well.”

Chris Brosnan, who works at Bureau360, said: “It’s a struggle to be a small independent business.

“What you don’t get online is going in somewhere and speaking to someone.”

Mr Mace added the “high street mentality” had changed, which meant certain businesses were surviving more than others.

“People are using the high street for services where they need to be there to use them, for example having a cup of coffee or a pint, or getting a haircut.

“I think Southbourne has improved, though – you’ve had a few shops closing, but there’s not a big vacant procession here and new businesses are opening in some of the empty units.”

Bill Cotton, executive director for environment and economy at Bournemouth Council, said: "Securing the council’s financial stability is our highest priority. With substantial reductions in central government funding the council can no long afford to hold under-used assets.

“The 85-space car park at Woodside Road is located to the rear of the main shopping area in Southbourne and is used by shoppers, restaurant/pub-goers, residents and people working in the area.

"We understand that the continued provision of adequate car parking on this site is important for the economic prosperity of the area. However, the car park is rarely, if ever, full as most people appear to prefer the convenience of on-street parking immediately next to the shops.

"Therefore, we are exploring opportunities of redeveloping part of the car park for the provision of new, much-needed, high quality, rented homes. We believe that a smaller car park, with 50-60 spaces, will fully meet the needs of businesses and residents in the area."

He added: "The 78 space car park at Southbourne Crossroads operates at a loss. The proposal here is to close the car park and to offer the site for sale, with the proceeds from the sale reinvested in council priorities. It makes no economic sense for a valuable property to be empty or almost empty for most of the year."

Cabinet members agreed yesterday it would be put up for sale.