It was good to talk to so many traders recently whilst I was contacting businesses about the website.

A number of issues were raised and we will endeavour to get some relevant updates to you as we follow them up.

They included buses, Independent trader signs, feedback on the ‘Wallingford Welcome’, WiFi enquires, some varied perspectives on the role and impact of e-commerce on the town (and how to go about using it positively). Also issues about speed bumps, cobbles, the ‘virtual tour’ being offered and many (mostly positive) observations concerning the Crowmarsh moorings.

Oh yes, and general comments about broadband and mobile connectivity around the town (separate from WiFi) and various planning applications…

If nothing else this has demonstrated the differing visions people have for Wallingford and this is why we think Wallingford in Business is needed as an independent voice for business, to provide support for individual traders where appropriate but also to ensure a representative range and body of opinion can be mobilised when needed.

We can only represent the views we know about.

I would describe the mood as cautiously upbeat with a sense that Wallingford needs to keep calm, keep constructive and keep in touch.

We have a lovely town with much going for it.

Some of us will be meeting with our Market Town Co-Ordinatior Deborah O’Brien on the 25th to further discuss some of the subjects raised and updates concerning WiFi should be available a little after that.

I will keep you posted.

A few of you expressed the opinion that my talking to you during the consultations was ‘a thankless task’.

Not one bit of it; I spoke to business people who are clearly passionate about what they do and (since I am not a business owner myself) it was a chance to meet another whole level of Wallingford – where I have lived for enough years to bring up a family.

The Website is still a work in progress and I will be in touch again shortly to explain our plans for it.

WiB can be reached via the ‘Contact’ facility on the homepage.

Kind Regards

Julia Buckley