ALBION Square workers are spending an average of £50,000 per week in Whitehaven town centre - but fewer than half the shops are reaping the benefits, a new survey has found.

The lack of parking is said to be a major issue for businesses, with would-be customers now vying for space taken by Albion workers.

And some workers based in Albion say they are put off going into town "because they don't have anywhere nice to go". More harbourside eateries as well as independent and big brand shops - namely Debenhams, Next and M&S - are on their wishlist.

These are the key findings from a survey of Sellafield Ltd workers and town centre businesses produced 10 months after 1,000 nuclear employees relocated to the £18 million Whitehaven offices.

The survey of 276 workers revealed that they spend an average of £50 each per week; a total for the whole workforce of around £50,000. However, only 10 of the 23 shops surveyed reported an uplift in sales - specifically food and gift shops - with the remainder revealing no change or even a drop in sales. Specifically, Market Place businesses have reported a fall in trade since Albion opened.

Businesses believe "the perception of limited parking for local shoppers is driving them to other towns," the survey reveals. They bemoan too many takeaways and empty shops and add the "shabby" areas and lack of toilets "does not provide a conducive shopping environment". 

A number have tailored their approach to better attract Albion workers and would consider flexible opening times.

Some inconsiderate parking from Albion workers, especially in the Ginns area, is also said to be an "irritation" to locals trying to use the shops and services. Cumbria County Council now plans to introduce parking restrictions of a number of streets near the office complex (see panel).

Albion workers add that Sellafield Ltd's car-sharing policy limits their use of the town after work - as do short lunch breaks - with almost half claiming that they cannot find the products they want when shopping.

The survey has been carried out by the Centre for Leadership Performance on behalf of Britain's Energy Coast.

A group has now been formed involving business, council, nuclear and regeneration representatives to address issues.

Helen Fisher, head of socio-economics for Sellafield Ltd, said: "The findings of this research are broadly positive. The move is being heralded by most businesses, workers and local stakeholders as a successful one, with only a few isolated issues emerging around traffic and parking.

"We are committed to continuing to work with town centre traders to ensure Albion continues to deliver and positive economic impact."

Copeland mayor Mike Starkie added: "The research produced shows how retailers can really benefit from having more people working in the town centre. This is a great time for those who aspire to own their own retail business to take action, take one of the empty units, take the free business advice available, open shop and make Copeland a better place for all."

Steven Szostak, managing director of Britain's Energy Coast, said: “We are lucky enough to have a lot of passionate businesses in Whitehaven town centre contributing to its growing success and prosperity.

"We are delighted to be able to support this enthusiasm with assistance from the BEC business support team. We have appointed a dedicated advisor, Andy Barnard, to help retailers in the town to make the most of the opportunities coming from Albion Square employees and other shoppers in the town. We urge any business keen to develop their offerings to pick up the phone to BEC.”