Shopper survey could help local high streets

Commissioned by the Waveney Business Forum, the survey looks in detail at issues such as internet and supermarket shopping, and what would bring shoppers back to local high streets. There's a top prize of £250 of vouchers of the winner's choice, and five other prizes each worth £50.

The survey was drawn up with input from local business groups, who helped identify the important issues in their towns during a recent series of meetings, and the findings will help confirm how Waveney's market towns are performing and suggest ways that they could do even better.

Dr Rebecca Ellis, principle research consultant at Digital Era Research and the researcher leading the study, said: "This survey is being undertaken in the context of concerns about the future prospects of our high streets and town centres, which are faced with a number of factors which have stimulated unprecedented change. The survey will provide vital details about shifting shopping patterns."

The research study is building on the momentum of local bids from across the district to the Mary Portas Pilot Scheme, and the recent success of Lowestoft in attracting Portas Pilot Town funding.

"The Portas bids have been great in acting as a fresh catalyst to bring local shops and others together to work in partnership to see how they can improve trade in their town centres. However, the most important partner in all of this is the local shopper and this survey will give them the chance to say what they think about what is currently on offer and how it can be improved," said Cllr Bruce Provan, Waveney's Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism and Economic Development.

"This survey wants to collect the views of consumers in Waveney to try and get an accurate picture of what people think about the shopping experience on offer in our market towns and town centres. Ultimately, the project aims to give the Waveney towns a boost by bringing in changes that would improve that experience, which might be different opening hours, or more town events to attract visitors," added Cllr Provan.

It is hoped as many of Waveney's shoppers across the district will complete the survey, which is available online or paper copies can be found at many local shops.