Cycle shops' anger at Council's pilot choice
HULL City Council is seeking to quash fears it has made a national retailer the sole dealer for its cycle-to-work scheme.
Independent cycle shops in the city have voiced concerns they have been removed from the council's nominated dealers list and replaced exclusively by Halfords.
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'REMOVING CHOICE': Ian Bolton, left and Ed Neilson, from Cliff Pratt Cycles in Spring Bank, Hull, are unhappy at the council's plan to use only Halfords for their cycle-to-work pilot.
The scheme is a Government- funded initiative that, in addition to other benefits, enables employees to buy a bike and accessories, up to the value of £1,000.
The employee initially receives a voucher, which they use to buy their bike, and then have up to a year to pay the money back, interest free and with a generous tax break – meaning they could save up to 40 per cent on the cost of their purchase.
The aim is to encourage a fitter, healthier workforce and decrease congestion on the roads.
Hull City Council last year conducted a five-week pilot scheme and featured a number of local retailers on its list of nominated dealers.
However, now the council has opted to make Halfords the exclusive dealer for a second pilot.
The move to choose a national firm over local traders has confused independent cycle dealers in the city, especially considering the current economic climate.
Ian Bolton, of Cliff Pratt Ltd in Spring Bank, Hull city centre, said: "I'm not saying I want our shop to have the lion's share. There are a lot of bike shops in Hull and I just cannot see why the council has chosen to use Halfords exclusively.
"At the end of the day, they are removing choice for their employees and I cannot see any benefit in giving people less choice.
"Having one national retailer on their list does not encourage people to shop locally or put money into the local economy."
Rob Jons, of Freetown Cycles in Prospect Street, city centre, said: "As a shop, we want everyone to have a diversity of choice.
"At Halfords, you can only get what they stock, so in that sense, I think the more shops that can supply bikes, the better."
However, Paul Gordon, the council's head of business support services, said the second phase of the pilot, which involves Halfords, would be in operation for less than three weeks, after which an evaluation would be carried out, before a decision on the permanent scheme was made.
He said: "No contractors have been excluded from the scheme and it is far too early to make a decision about how the scheme will eventually run.
"We will be contacting suppliers shortly to discuss the next steps, but if any suppliers have concerns, they are welcome to discuss them with us."
Link
Hull City Council
www.hullcc.gov.uk
31 Comments
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by University of hull employee, UK
Saturday, March 06 2010, 5:48AM
“It's not just the Council who should be asked hard questions about this. The University of Hull has signed up to an exclusive arrangement with Halfords. This is despite being presented with a range of arguments including the importance of supporting local independent businesses. This decision was made by the chief financial officer of the University and Paul Hewitt who adminsters the scheme for the University. Happy to provide further details if someone from the Mail wants to follow this up.”
by phil, NEAR HULL
Friday, March 05 2010, 9:38PM
“when will hull city council support local traders ?? are they not able to use their noddle. local sales mean local jobs hull is the only place you can go and see a circus for free guildhall weekdays THE HULL CLOWN COUNCIL”
by Super LUFC, England
Friday, March 05 2010, 4:37PM
“WHY would the local authority even consider using a national retailer like Halfords at the expense of tried and tested local experts, e.g. Cliff Pratts?!!!
Having recently purchased a new bike, I can honestly say that Halfords staff showed zero interest in my queries r.e their limited selection of bikes. Their attitude verged on rudeness.
I ended up at Cliff Pratts - extensive choice, good price and plenty of advice and support.
Hull CC - please ensure someone who knows something cycling makes the decisions - and don't forget....help your own community!!!!”
by Pob, Bev
Friday, March 05 2010, 4:22PM
“Halfords are awful. I had to take my bike back 3 times to the Beverley store and the kids they employee have no idea of customer service and very limited technical knowledge.
Serves me right for not going local.”
by Eric, Back on my bike
Friday, March 05 2010, 3:25PM
“PS I have had good service in the past from Bob's Bikes, Cliff Pratts, Jobes and Ellerkers. To be honest I can't remember a "bum deal" from any local shop.”