Last week I met up with a number of local small business owners and Bedworth Councillors in the historic Governor’s Hall at Bedworth Alms Houses.
We took the opportunity to discuss ideas and views of Bedworth town centre, what challenges and opportunities we face and initial thoughts for improvement.
I would like this to be the start of regular business engagement meetings to help drive improvements and to restore pride in the town centre for residents.
I was really encouraged by the number of interesting ideas discussed including bringing the market into All Saints Square and setting up Bedworth town centre’s own BID.
As a former small business owner based in a town centre, I have a great deal of respect for those who take the risk to run their own business and the contribution they make to local jobs and our economy. I am looking forward to working more closely with town centre businesses and would welcome input from all town centre based businesses to widen the engagement further. I would also like to thank all those who took the time to join in and contribute to the discussion.
Whilst at the Alms Houses I also met with residents and staff in an ‘open MP advice surgery’ – a chance for residents to meet with me to discuss local and national issues. It was really enjoyable speaking to local people who provided interesting perspectives relating to life at the Alms Houses and the town centre itself.