Wilko has closed its doors for good on our high street in Folkestone. The store has been a convenient go-to shop for all manner of home and DIY items and its loss will be felt by many. Importantly, its closure means the loss of jobs for local people – and we understand the sense of trepidation about job security, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.
Rich Holgate (pictured), our Green Cabinet Member for Place Plan, Heritage, Tourism and the District Economy says, ‘I am greatly disappointed about this blow to the local economy and I really do feel for the staff at this uneasy time. I am in contact with the store manager to organise what available support we can offer’.
The collapse of the chain shows the susceptibility of big business and the vast reverberating effects that a change in fortune can have on local economies and communities.
‘I would remind people that we do have great independent DIY stores locally, such as Coastal Hardware and Tools on Sandgate Road, and County Hardware on Cheriton Road. And, of course, there are the big chains in Park Farm – though they’re a bit harder to get to without a car’, Cllr Holgate says.
In some good news, the Folkestone Central to Cheriton walking and cycling scheme was given the green light by the Folkestone and Hythe Joint Transportation Board on Monday, which will make accessing the shops in Cheriton much easier and safer for those on foot and wheels.
Further, plans for the regeneration of Folkestone town centre are also geared towards stimulating the local economy and making Folkestone a more accessible and enjoyable place to shop and spend time. The next phase of the Levelling Up process is due to kick off in early 2024.
Cllr Holgate, who is overseeing the Folkestone Place Plan, says, ‘On the whole, I’m confident that the plans will improve many aspects of daily life for residents and help us to create a more sustainable environment and local economy. I know there are some concerns, such as the moving of the bus station. I am, and I know officers are, listening to residents’.
Local economies are at the heart of Green Party economic policy. In the context of a world economy, much planning and decision making must happen at a local level to ensure the wellbeing of communities and the natural environment. The collapse of a chain such as Wilko, and historically, the global financial crisis and our current cost-of-living crisis, show that when the balance of the economy is weighted too far towards big business and the wealthy few, communities take the hit when things go wrong.
Green Party economic policy is to promote self-reliance within communities and regions, and to enable more local needs to be met by local work using local resources. Essentially, we want to encourage many good independent local businesses. Strong localism and self-reliance not only keep communities connected, they promote resilience, which is going to be increasingly needed as the pressures of climate change impact local regions – including here in our beautiful corner of Kent.
Our Green Party district councillors are delighted to support Folkestone and Hythe District Council’s Green Business Grant scheme. These funds are available to help smaller businesses become more energy efficient. Businesses can apply for up to £10,000 in funding, and up to £25,000 in exceptional circumstances. The scheme will run until 31 March 2024 or until funds remain available. You can find more information here.
