Town centre ahead of the game

WARRINGTON is ahead of the game when it comes to implementing new measures to boost its town centre
The Portas Review – the major independent review into the state of Britain’s high streets and town centres – makes 28 detailed recommendations, many of which require government intervention or legislation.
But of proposals that can be progressed locally, Warrington has already done most of them.
This is claimed in a report to the borough council’s economy and resources scrutiny committee by director for neighbourhood and cultural services Joe Blott.
The review by retail marketing guru Mary Portas (pictured) – famous for her TV programme “Mary Queen of Shops” – was commissioned by the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister last year. It was published in December and the Government’s response is expected in the spring.
The Portas Review suggests that town centres and high streets have a social and community value, as well as an economic value.
Ms Portas says: “I fundamentally believe that once we create social capital in the heart of our communities, the economic capital will follow.”
Mr Blott points out that many of the Portas recommendations have already been implemented in Warrington, including:
*Deputy leader of the council Mike Hannon has been given special responsibility for the town centre and is a member of the Town Centre Board.
*A programme of “quick wins” has been implemented, ranging from floral displays to targeted cleaning of grot spots.
*A programme of cultural activities under the banner “It’s All Going on in Warrington” has attracted 30,000 extra visitors.
As a result, footfall in December was 4.6 per cent up compared with 2010, footfall for the Christmas lights switch-on was up 11.2 per cent and the Christmas Market and Winter Craft Village initiative increased footfall by 12.9 per cent.
Mr Blott says: “Like many other towns and cities in the UK, Warrington is feeling the effects of the economic recession. However, there has been a recognition in the town that, as was learned through the development of the successful Rugby World Cup bid, if partners combine their individual aspirations and focus on the shared success of the town, then it is possible to see a way forward in these difficult times.
“This approach also proved successful during the summer and Christmas programme of events which were planned collectively through strong partnership working. The increased footfall helped to keep the town centre vibrant in difficult economic times.
“The Portas Review makes a number of very valid and ambitious recommendations. It is significant that Warrington’s response is to see the Review as an affirmation of an approach it has already embarked on rather than a totally new initiative.”