Just read the article about council urging people to use the free parking around the town centre to shop in town. I went shopping into the actual town centre for the first time since March and the same old problems exist.
It was very busy in the drive-to shopping areas around town – Island Green, shopping area around Tesco etc… However it was really quiet in the actual town centre, but this is because of the complete lack of shops open on Regent Street and Hope Street – our once proud main streets.
There are still people out of their minds on spice as well just slumped in bank doorways etc. Something kept out of the news but conveniently swept under the carpet.
I will say the turning of BHS into a sports offering and then Game upstairs and the gaming centre is a welcome addition to a large empty unit. Although we seem to have Sports Directs everywhere.
People have money to spend but they prefer the US strip mall style park outside convenience rather than walking up and down town with mostly poundshop offerings.