B&NES: Jolly’s loss would be disastrous

It is worrying for Bath residents and businesses that the fate of Jolly’s is in the hands of B&NES council, dubbed one of the “greedy landlords” that is refusing to budge on its rent demands by the new owner of House of Fraser. With so many empty shops already in Bath city centre, it would be disastrous if this 195-year-old Bath business at the heart of the city’s leading shopping street is allowed to close down. Jolly’s helps give the city a character that is different to other neighbouring shopping centres. Lucy Simon, secretary of the Bath Independent Organisation of Traders, puts it well when she tells me that “Milsom Street needs to be kept as the shopping hub of the city. It has been since the 18th century. There are already too many licence changes of use, turning shop sites into bars and restaurants. This is short-sighted and damaging to the whole picture of retail in the city.” B&NES needs to understand it is in danger of killing the goose that lays the golden egg as the unique shopping experience is a key part of Bath’s appeal to visitors. As the leading commercial landlord in the city B&NES sets the tone for rents and subsequent business rates. At the moment they are clearly too high for the retail reality of the high street. Council leader Tim Warren has told me in the past he would rather see a shop filled for a lower rent than a shop empty because of a higher rent. It makes sense but it is the council’s property services department that is apparently in charge and they seem unmoved by the stark reality of trading in 2018. It would be appalling for the Conservative administration, headed by Cllr Warren, if Jolly’s was to close on their watch. It would be symbolic of a greater failing to maintain Bath as an attractive, thriving historic city. Tim Newark Independent Shops of Bath