Controversial topics have been on the agenda for a number of Haverhill business meetings about the town centre masterplan - and there's still time to make sure your voice is heard.
Up for discussion among the businesses that have attended so far have been issues such as whether all estate agents and fast food establishments should move out of the town centre, whether compulsory purchase orders are good or bad for Haverhill and if Tesco will benefit the town centre. Then there's topics such as apathy and the lack of interest in their town among some businesses, "blue collar" workers, the Bury St Edmunds influence . . . these and many more issues have cropped up during the evening events designed to help Haverhill businesses develop and get involved in the town centre masterplanning process. Issues have also included business management principles, how to develop a positive image for the town and getting across the message that if Haverhill town centre prospers then so does its businesses.
There are two more meetings planned - for 7 and 21 February - when particular attention will be paid to proposals relating to Haverhill’s planned future appearance, set out in the borough council's masterplan. The ideas and observations made so far will be used at these events which will provide local businesses with the opportunity to have a direct influence upon the shape of tomorrows Haverhill and their future.
Representatives from St Edmundsbury will be there to explain the thinking behind the masterplan so far and get the views of those who will be among those most directly affected - local businesses. Your views and ideas could influence the shape of Haverhill and how it impacts upon your business, don’t take the gamble of letting other people speak for you, be there – and speak for yourself!
To make attendance as easy as possible, the venue is changing. The events are on the Monday evenings of 7 and 21 February at Barclays Bank, 39 High Street, Haverhill, CB9 8AE. Light refreshments will be available from 6pm, with a start at 6.30pm and finishing at 9pm.
Businesses attending have been positive about the content and style of the events. Insurance broker Jeff Smith said:
"The Haverhill Business Workshops are both thought-provoking and educational, generating lively and, at times, humorous debate. What's more, they're free and you get nourishment and sustenance included. I know my wife's business, Party Animals UK Ltd in Queens Square, has obtained more focus as a consequence of what has been discussed, and I would encourage any businessman or woman wishing to improve or increase their business to attend".
ENDS
ISSUED BY MARIANNE HULLAND, COMMUNICATIONS UNIT, ST EDMUNDSBURY BOROUGH COUNCIL. Tel 01284 757034. marianne.hulland@stedsbc.gov.uk
