Cllr John Griffiths, Leader of St Edmundsbury Borough Council, today welcomed the chance to meet representatives from independent businesses to discuss the future of Bury St Edmunds. Cllr Griffiths chaired the meeting after David Ruffley MP, who initially called everyone together, was unable to attend due to ill health.
Cllr Griffiths thanked the business representatives for attending the meeting, held at the Borough Offices, and said:
"This was a good opportunity to tap into the considerable expertise which our successful independent retailers have built up over many years in the town centre. The borough council is determined to do the very best for Bury St Edmunds but we recognise we cannot do this alone. We need to work together – and indeed have been working closely with a large number of businesses through the Chamber of Commerce, Town Centre Management and Impact Management group, for example. Now there's the opportunity to develop this two-way communication further with our independent sector and I welcome that."
Representatives at the meeting had the chance to find out how the new Town Centre Management scheme works and its plans for the future, including greater opportunities for independent retailers to influence its work.
Cllr Griffiths added:
"I feel it was a very positive and constructive meeting. Our independent shops are at the heart of our town, giving Bury St Edmunds its unique character. I look forward to further opportunities to learn from each other and would like to thank our MP for arranging this meeting."
ENDS
ISSUED BY MARIANNE HULLAND, COMMUNICATIONS UNIT, ST EDMUNDSBURY BOROUGH COUNCIL. Phone 01284 757034. marianne.hulland@stedsbc.gov.uk
