BDCC Invites Comments on Berkhamsted High Street

Berkhamsted and Disctrict Chamber of Commerce have received several comments regarding the High Street. There was a suggestion that Berkhamsted is promoted more widely in London; this is something that the Chamber may look at, but it also ties up with the recent report on our heritage received by the Town’s Heritage Hub committee.

The Chamber committee are interested in promoting Berkhamsted and our heritage could be the way to increase footfall. One of the outcomes that was raised in the heritage report was: ‘Should Berkhamsted have an annual or bi-annual pageant/carnival?’

The committee believes they should consider this, but all comments are welcome. What do you think? Please send any comments you have to peteels12@gmail.com.

The Chamber also received comments about rent reduction and business rates. Rates are set by Central Government and the committee recommends protesting to your MP. Regarding rents, they would like to know what different businesses are paying in the High Street and generally in Berkhamsted. With a concept of the price per square foot in different parts of the Town, they would be able to give advice. Please note, however, that the price you pay and your contract with your landlord it is legally binding. You can send your comments via the BDCC website.

A question of making change of use easier was also raised. Dacorum Borough Council are looking at this and a new plan is due out in September. BDCC have invited James Doe, Assistant Director of Planning at DBC, to talk about this plan at their November breakfast meeting.