SHOPS BLAME COUNCIL FOR SLUMP

Staff Reporter TRADERS on Majorca have reported a slump in takings during the first week of the sales. They claim they are down by as much as 20 percent on last year's figures and have criticised Palma City Council for not resolving the problems of potential customers who experience difficulty in bringing their cars into the capital. Angel Pujol, the secretary general of Pimeco, a small and medium-sized business association, expressed the latent concerns amongst traders. He drew particular attention to the fact that the consumer crisis is affecting above all, fashion accessories that cost more than 30 euros, while those being sold in the lower price ranges, especially those included in the 6 to 20 euro range, are managing to keep their sales volumes “steady”. Small traders in Palma attribute the current situation of fall in sales to existing political and financial issues, such as the tourist crisis and the euro, but they also point to the City Council's “Mobility Plan”. This traffic control policy aims to keep vehicles and people moving in Palma but has not successfully addressed the issue of encouraging those living outside the city to bring their vehicles in for shopping. “There are real problems for people who want to have access to the city centre. A change of attitude within the municipality is needed to find a solution”, indicated Pujol. He stressed the need to focus on a new parking policy which “goes beyond merely handing out tickets and collecting fees so that Palma can be turned into a city that bustles with life”. Furthermore, Pujol urged the General Commerce directorate to introduce far-reaching, integral policies for the revitalisation and promotion of commerce. According to the Pimeco secretary, help that is afforded to traders “on the spot” is not effective in the long run.