Great divide

By Melissa Meehan
PAKENHAM residents are divided over the Cardinia Shire Council’s footpath trading code.
A number of business owners have spoken out against the new code introduced late last year, which forces them to create a 1.5 metre clearway in front of their shops.
However the shire’s local laws manager Alan Giachin said that the public response to the new laws had been almost overwhelmingly positive.
“The council introduced improved standards for footpath access in mid 2009 to ensure people, especially mums with prams or people with a disability, could safely utilise shopping strip footpaths,” Mr Giachin said.
“We have had an overwhelmingly positive response to the new regulations from shoppers and the vast majority of traders also see the benefit of making their shops more accessible.”
Pakenham Discounts owner Terry Baldwin is one of at least 10 shire businesses against the new law.
Mr Baldwin claims the council has “hung him out to dry” since introducing the code and threaten legal action if he does not fall into line, a statement the council strongly denies.
But it seems Pakenham residents have backed Mr Baldwin with many saying his case should be looked at separately from the majority of shops.
Pakenham resident Warren Cawcutt described the code as a joke, saying that Mr Baldwin’s business was a great local business.
“He basically has to put his stock inside his shop whereas before he relied and got more customers from walk-by trading,” Mr Cawcutt said.
“People should start to think about how local business can compete and survive against others. His set up was not harming anyone.”
Another resident Hailey Mills said the council should focus on parking instead of footpaths.
“Get your priorities right council,” she said.
“Maybe think about building nicer toilets, too.”
But Pakenham Business Group secretary Michael Porter said he supported the code wholeheartedly.
“It is finally easy to walk down the street with a clear path without dodging everything,” he said.
“Imagine the main street if every single business put stuff out.”
Resident Kris Bernard said she supported the code, but said people whose shops were in alcoves like Mr Baldwin should have reasonable rights to appeal for an exemption.
“The main footpath is in a straight line as a set distance from the majority of shops, yes it should be clear,” she said.
“But it’s crazy to think people are going to want to walk along the wall.”
Mr Giachin said the council would continue to work with the few traders who have had difficulty adjusting to the new regulations and would offer ongoing support to business operators with a range of initiatives in 2010.
Residents and business owners who would like a copy of the footpath trading code can contact the council’s local laws department on 1300 787 624.