The Member of Parliament for Uttoxeter, Kate Griffiths, has today (27/07/2022) hosted an event for high street businesses to share their views on the historic market town and its future.
The event, which was put on by Ms Griffiths, was held at the Town Hall and gave local business owners and store managers an opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas on town centre regeneration.
Amongst the representatives, were local businesses including Edmonston's Family Butchers, Roses Coffee Lounge, Smithfield Carpets, No. 42 Interiors, Uttoxeter Brewing Company and Redfern’s Cottage & Museum of Uttoxeter Life. Local Uttoxeter councillors were also invited to attend, including East Staffordshire Borough Council (ESBC) Leader George Allen and Town Ward Councillor, Sue McGarry.
Discussions were had about ways to increase footfall, ensuring the high street had more experiences to offer, and improving active travel routes into the town centre as well as enhancing the community spirit which all business owners felt was a real asset of Uttoxeter.
All parties felt that the event was worthwhile and agreed to further engagement and dialogue as regeneration plans develop. Feedback from the event will also be shared with the ESBC as they progress on their plans and consultation efforts as part of the Uttoxeter Masterplan.
Commenting, Kate Griffiths MP, said:
“I want to thank the businesses that took part in today’s discussions which were really encouraging and engaging. One of the key priorities I made during my election campaign was town centre regeneration.
“As part of any successful town centre plans, it is vital that local business owners and shop managers are included in the process in order for them to share their own experiences and expertise from the retail and hospitality sectors.
“I will continue to work with business owners and ESBC, ensuring the public have their say too, as further scoping work is carried out to kickstart this process of regeneration.”
Leader of ESBC, and Councillor for Uttoxeter Town ward, George Allen, added:
“I am grateful to Kate for putting on this event for local businesses which has been a great opportunity for us as local representatives to engage with shop owners and to hear about their thoughts and ideas for Uttoxeter town centre.
“It is also, for me as Leader of the Council, an opportunity to see how their ideas and experiences can be included into ongoing work on the Uttoxeter Masterplan. I look forward to continuing discussions with the local businesses in the weeks and months ahead as we at ESBC further sketch out exciting new plans for Uttoxeter.”
