Let’s support Old Town while we can

Leamington’s independent shops provide a draw that our neighbouring cities don’t compete with. Let’s support Leamington’s niche while we still can, by supporting this strength through diversity. There’s much our local councils can do to support Old Town’s businesses, for example the specific promotion of Old Town in the way Norwich has promoted its “Norwich Lanes” area of independent shops.

This opportuniy to promote Leamington’s unique mixture of independent shops, restaurants and small businesses has been largely missed while the council has been pursuing the Clarendon Arcade project. True BID Leamington does promote shops in the north of the town but there is little or no effort to encourage a flow of custom down and around the town, or stimulate interest in Old Town itself. Let’s support what we’ve got and promote our strengths while we still have the chance. - Jonathan Chilvers, Warwick & Leamington Green Party.