Fight is on to boost town centre
A REPORT predicting doom and gloom for Kirkintilloch town centre has been branded as 'scaremongering'.
The town was listed alongside Cumbernauld, Clydebank, Rutherglen and Kilmarnock as one of those destined to suffer most financially in 2009 due to the credit crunch.
The claim was made by business experts Experian, based on the number of empty shops and retailers hit by administration in the towns.
Kirkintilloch town centre currently has 15 vacant units. But this week traders, politicians and business leaders hit back.
Angela McLaren, manager of the Regent Centre, said the survey 'appears to be scaremongering'.
She said: "In the six months I've been at the Regent Centre, our footfall has been up on the same time from the previous year.
"It might only be a one or two per cent increase, but when most centres are five per cent down, we have reason to be positive.
"The town has its problems, but they are not insurmountable."
Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Corcoran said: "I understand why Experian might be saying this, but their findings seem like a guestimate.
"They don't understand the support coming from organisations like the Chamber of Commerce and the abilities of local traders to do their best.
"I am worried this is nothing more than a scare tactic. There are tough times ahead, but we will fight very hard to keep our town centres alive."
East Dunbartonshire MP Jo Swinson said: "We should be talking up the efforts of Kirky traders and the hard work of groups like Business for Kirkintilloch, headed up by Lex Gaston."
East Dunbartonshire Council leader Rhondda Geekie said: "There are a lot of myths out there about what councils can do, but unless we work with others, the assistance we can offer is limited.
"I've suggested we invite all property owners in for a meeting with planners and our economic development team to see what can be done."
Traders have been invited to attend the next Business for Kirkintilloch meeting in Smiths Hotel, on Wednesday, January 21, at 5.30pm.
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Weather for Kirkintilloch
Thursday 24 May 2012
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Temperature: 14 C to 24 C
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