A ‘summit’ meeting arranged by Denbighshire County Council has been held to discuss the future of town centres across the county, with an action plan now being prepared to address the issues raised.
Up to 100 people attended the event in Ruthin, arranged by Denbighshire County Council. Session topics included trends affecting town centres and tourism, what needs to be done to plan for the future success of town centres, retail property market, using public art to improve town centres, spatial plan and a case study based on what has been done to market Ruthin as a destination.
The summit was chaired by Sue Essex, with presentations from Denbighshire County Council, Cadwyn Clwyd, Safle, Tourism Partnership North Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government and local businessman Gavin Harris.
Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans, said: “50 years ago our villages had many shops, many establishments which were used by the communities and we have seen the demise of village facilities in our lifetime. Town centres now face that challenge.
“We can see them changing in their nature and these changes are partly due to the way we live, but there are many issues to consider, including economies of scale, infrastructure, car parking charges, technology, business rates and out of town developments.
“All towns are different, they have unique characteristics which need to be used; they all have different problems, as well as different strengths.
“We have to be aware of these differences if we are going to work together. We have to support existing businesses and encourage new businesses, as well as understanding the role of tourism in relation to each town. The overriding issue is that we have to be optimistic for the future.
“We are all acutely aware that we are preparing for a difficult few years economically and these are unchartered waters. We need to start linking funding opportunities to and aligning resources to the real needs of our communities.
“It is vital that organisations such as the Council, Welsh Assembly Government, town and community councils, business groups, the voluntary sector and individual business owners get together to discuss issues that affect the prosperity and well-being of communities across the county and identify a positive way forward for all concerned.”
