‘Heart Of Hucknall’ summit lined up
Mark Spencer
A MAJOR event that could have an influential say on the future of Hucknall town centre has been organised by the town’s Conservative MP, Mark Spencer.
Plans for the town centre are in limbo after the delay to the £13 million scheme to build an inner bypass, complete with pedestrianisation of part of High Street.
Now Mr Spencer has organised an event called ‘Heart Of Hucknall’, which is being held tonight (Friday) at the John Godber Centre on Ogle Street from 6.30.
Local businesses have been invited to go along to make their feelings known. And there will be a presentation and debate about the town centre and the future for local retailers.
In his invitation to attend ‘Heart Of Hucknall’, Mr Spencer writes:
“I would like to invite you to an open discussion on the future of Hucknall High Street and surrounding areas, and how we can work together to improve things.
“I have invited local shopkeepers, the Hucknall town-centre manager (Mark Armstrong), all the local councillors and also the leader of Ashfield District Council.
“It is an opportunity for us to have a frank discussion on how you see the future of Hucknall and for the airing of ideas for improving the area.
“I am conscious we are two years away from any form of election, so I believe this to a good opportunity, politically, to have a cross-party discussion without the distraction of party-political point-scoring.
“We need to work in partnership with local shopkeepers to improve and enhance the shopping experience in Hucknall.
“I hope to also have a display of the proposed Hucknall inner bypass for you to view.
“I hope you can find time to attend and that we will have a lively debate and come up with some good ideas on how to ensure and enhance the future of Hucknall’s shopping areas. I can offer you a cup of tea, and possibly even a biscuit!”
Plans for the bypass have been stalled by the coalition government after billions of pounds were slashed from the Department Of Transport budgets.
Notts County Council has been invited to bid for a slice of funding that is available — and it should find out in January whether or not it has been successful and the road will be able to go ahead.
Meanwhile small retailers in the town centre say they are struggling to survive amid both the fierce economic downturn and competition from the Tesco superstore, off Station Road.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Hucknall
Thursday 23 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: West
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.