Golden ticket for Coalville?
By Cllr Michael Wyatt
Originally published by East Midlands Liberal Democrats
Wyatt calls on Council to bid for Portas funding for Coalville Town High Street
The government is looking for 12 run down High Streets in England to share £1m as part of plans proposed by TV retail guru Mary Portas.
Areas will bid for support from a dedicated team and Ms Portas herself. The scheme was described as a "golden ticket" for town centres by local government minister, Grant Shapps.
Local Businessman and Liberal Democrat County Councillor for Warrenhills has today called on the Council to grab this opportunity with enthusiasm. Cllr Michael Wyatt said, "Coalville Town is struggling due to past policies by the previous administration, which is clearly against local businesses. One of the biggest problems is the lack of vision, and political will to work together as a team to make Coalville a thriving Market Town once again. I hope that the Council will bid for the money available from the Portas fund. We need to grab a slice of this golden ticket for Coalville. I know it will not solve all of our problems but it will be a positive starting point.
One of my ideas would be to have an open Market at the Clock Tower, which would help put Coalville back on the map as a Market Town, introduce shopping days, which would yet again bring benefits to businesses and shoppers. Give Coalville an identity, which will enthuse businesses and locals to support our town. As a dedicated local businessman and a Coalville resident born and bred for over 40 years I offer my services without pre-conditions to work with the current administration, if they are prepared to seriously sit down and come up with a viable, cost effective and long term plan to tackle our neglected Town."
Michael Wyatt
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