Of course it would help if it were a conservation area but can these designations be applied retrospectively? I’ve no idea. Perhaps if it were then we could start to claim back the few remaining historic and architecturally significant buildings in the centre.
For example:
The High Street entrance to the Butchers market – beautiful building. Flanked by a tanning salon and a cafe stuck in the 1977.
Above Overton Arcade: Trees growing on the roof
Central Arcade: Beautiful Victorian arcade leading to the Butchers markets. Needs plenty of TLC but could be a great feature of the town centre with niche shops. How is it advertised to the public? By a printed plastic sign nailed on with what looks like plasterboard nails.
There needs to be a concerted effort by the council (and all of us really) to ensure these buildings and others are protected and restored. We’ve lost far to many historic buildings over the decades – most replaced with soul-less shells that are already looking in need of replacing – the buildings around Queen’s square (it’s not a bloody square, don’t start me on that) are a typical example..