More needs to be done to breathe life back into Town

At least work is continuing at a good rate at the White Hart.

Scaffolding is allowed to go up and just stay here forever, there’s no scaffolding policy. Permission should be given for it to go up only if work is to start immediately and be done quickly.

I am told that there is a large initial payment and then just a nominal weekly rental, so no business worries too much. Scaffolding companies aren’t bothered, because it saves them finding storage space. A year ago, one shop in Mill Street was covered in it for nine months, much to the annoyance of nearby shops. Then there were two lots adjacent to Trinity Church, there for many months, never saw a workman, stopped cars parking adjacent to it. Unnecessary.

There are empty Town shops, e.g. in the Arcade and Mill Street.

Landlords could encourage local businesses – not mainland – by offering six months rent-free, followed by six months at a reduced rent, giving people a chance to get established. Will landlords do this? Of course not, their argument being that if they did this the value of the property would decrease.

I have suggested many things to help the Town centre, none thought worthwhile pursuing.

The dairy milkshake shop, which many years ago was in Market Square, could return, also selling Guernsey ice cream, burgers and hot dogs.

This would bring families back into Town and they would also use the occasion for a shopping experience.

I suggested this to encourage liner passengers to spend money. The passengers obviously do not know Town, so put a notice up at the entrance to the Arcade, top of the Pollet and the bottom of Smith Street, listing all of the shops there and – very importantly – what they sell. People would then be encouraged to go to a shop with things that interested them.

This idea would, no doubt, not appeal to the constables.

Another holiday season is fast approaching, but no doubt we will continue to drift on into oblivion.

No ideas, no ambition.

BOB STACEY

Victoria Homes.