WINCHESTER’S independent retailers are set to have a check-up from the city council.

The council has commissioned The Retail Group to assess the performance and potential of Winchester’s secondary shopping streets.

The Retail Group will invite businesses to provide data, opinions and suggestions that could boost trade throughout the year.

There have been concerns that Parchment Street in particular has seen a sharp drop in footfall since the traffic flow was switched around five years ago.

The Retail Group will produce an action plan, to be shared jointly by the retailers, the council and the Business Improvement District.

Councillor Rob Humby, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: “The independent shops are one of the reasons why people love visiting Winchester. Over the years, we have done a great deal to support the secondary shopping streets, where many of our finest shops and eateries are based.”

The panel which appointed The Retail Group included representatives of Pavilion in The Square; Warrens in Upper High Street; P&G Wells in College Street and Toscanaccio’s in Parchment Street.