THE next occupants of the former Emporium building in Wellington have gained support from local councillors in their hope to make it easier for traders and customers to load and unload their vehicles.

The former Emporium building in Mantle Street – which closed at the end of June due to declining sales and rising costs – is to receive a new lease of life as an antiques centre.

The new owners are from Nick Nacks Antiques in Kentisbeare, near Cullompton, and a Mr Magnum told members of Wellington Town Council’s economic development committee on Wednesday (July 10) that they needed two loading bays placed outside of the premises.

“If we get antique dealers from all over the country coming down here I need somewhere for them to park outside so they can easily unload,” said Mr Magnum.

The Mayor, Cllr Janet Lloyd, said that around 30 years ago the building had been used as an antiques shop and functioned perfectly well without a loading bay outside.

But Cllr Mark Lithgow quickly said that traffic numbers “have changed from 30 years ago.”

Cllr John Thorne said: “I welcome a new business coming into the town, but I’m not too sure about getting rid of on-street parking.

“I can’t support this request. We’d end up having every business in the town asking us to remove parking spaces in favour of loading bays outside their premises.”

But Cllr Keith Wheatley said that “on the balance of things” he would back the request and “the loss of a couple of time-limited parking spaces” was worth it if it helped a new local business.

“There is plenty of parking on the other side of the road and further up the road, plus there is also North Street car park.”

Cllr Wheatley proposed the council asked Somerset Council to look at providing two loading bays outside Mr Magnum’s premises in Mantle Street, but his suggestion failed to get a backer.

But a new proposal asking Somerset Council to provide one loading bay – proposed by Cllr Mike McGuffie and seconded by Cllr Wheatley – was then supported by the council.