Parking issues must be addressed for area to thrive - business leader

A Sutton Coldfield businessman says parking needs will have to be addressed if Mere Green is to continue to thrive.

Naeem Arif, who is Vice President of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber, officially opened a new branch of United Carpets in Mere Green last month, rejuvenating the former HSBC bank building to create a new showroom which is already proving popular with customers.

But as new businesses continue to move to the shopping area, he believes pressures on parking will grow.

He said: “Mere Green is a bustling shopping destination, which is why we decided to move here and open a branch.

“We have been really encouraged by the response of local people, and by the warm welcome we have had from other traders.

“It 's an area that 's clearly on-the-up, which is reflected by how many businesses are choosing to move here. However, as Mere Green grows it 's vital that the parking provision here reflects that growth.

“It 's a place that has a number of car parks, not least because of the supermarkets in the area, but there still seems to be some parking issues.

“The fact that shoppers sometimes struggle to find parking spaces shows that people really want to come here - but as the area grows it could become a problem. ”

Another supermarket - an Aldi - is due to begin construction next door to the United Carpets ' showroom, on a vacant brownfield site that was previously home to Atlas House and a Waitrose.

When finished it would provide another car park, but could cause disruption during building work, which is expected to take more than 30 weeks.

Naeem said: “We are looking forward to having another neighbour on the site, and the customers they will bring, and we realise it may result in some disruption during the building works.

“But that is a sign that Mere Green is an attractive place to open a business, and a popular place to shop.

“Traders need to work together to help each other in terms of parking. We only have a couple of parking spaces, but people are welcome to use them - it 's about trying to make Mere Green a welcoming place to visit. ”

Pictured: Naeem Arif says parking needs in Mere Green could impact on the thriving shopping destination.