Zone 6 for Epsom, improved parking, signs and transport, and cleaner streets could be achieved if the town’s businesses pool together to make it happen.

That is the view of dozens of business people from Epsom who got together to discuss the town’s future.

Ideas on how to improve Epsom town centre and the surrounding area were debated in a discussion about whether to form a Business Improvement District (BID) in the town.

Read more about the campaign to bring Zone 6 to Epsom. 

This would mean a defined area could be made within which businesses must pay a levy to fund projects locally, such as a Pubwatch or events for families and residents to enjoy.

Surrey Comet:

Groups of businesspeople discuss their ideas at the workshop

In Camberley for example, there has been a vintage car show, rooftop cinema and themed family fun days paid for by the BID group Collectively Camberley. 

Louise Punter, chief executive of Surrey Chambers of Commerce, who hosted the event on Thursday, March 10, said: “In the last 15 years we have tried to address different issues.

“What a BID does is gives us some focus and resources.”

The following priorities were deemed most pressing:

  • Better branding to promote Epsom’s heritage and association with the Epsom Derby and Epsom Salts
  • Improved access to the town centre from Epsom station
  • Clear signs to the town centre from Epsom station
  • Zone 6 for Epsom so people can use Oyster cards to travel more easily
  • A cleaner town
  • Unique retailers to be attracted to the area
  • To make parking better and cheaper
  • To improve the transport network, so buses and trains run later
  • More control for local people over use of town centre buildings

There are 203 BIDs in the UK, with anything from 50 to 1,000 businesses in depending on the size of the town or city.

Speaking at the event at the Epsom Playhouse organised by town centres manager Alanna Coombes, Steve Whiteway of Epsom Coaches, said: “There is a perception of our more elderly customers that they don’t want to go out at night because they think it is a ghetto and they might get mugged on the bus. That is not the case.”

Licensees from pubs in the town said they wanted to see a late night bus service to avoid the build-up of queues for the taxi rank, which they say would avoid anti-social behaviour.

A park and ride scheme into the town from Epsom Downs was proposed by Kim Eden of Marks and Spencer, but racecourse manager Simon Durrant said there were a lot of challenges and restrictions in using the Downs land.  

What do you think would improve the town centre? Would a Business Improvement District be a good idea? Comment below or email letters@epsomguardian.co.uk, find us on Facebook and Twitter @EpsomGuardian.