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Traders want new image for Ilkeston
Traders are seeking a smarter image for Ilkeston as the first step in reviving its fortunes against rival shopping centres.
At a meeting to promote the town, they suggested cleaner streets and artwork to disguise boarded-up buildings.
Tony Thorniley, who represents lower Bath Street residents and traders, said it was essential to make shoppers feel relaxed.
"If people on the streets perceive they are being intimidated, see people swigging out of beer cans, using foul language and they see graffiti, they don't come again.
"They go to those nice shopping precincts where they can park a car and there are security bods. They see that as a complete and pleasant shopping experience," he told the meeting organised by Erewash Partnership, a group trying to stimulate the local economy.
Another trader Sharon Flint said: "The town is not tidy, it is not clean, it is scruffy. Public expectations are high."
Teresa Winfield, who works for the Co-op departmental store, said: "First impressions are so important. If we don't get this right, we have shot it."
The meeting was organised by Paul Calladine, who has just been appointed as market towns co-ordinator for Ilkeston and Long Eaton.
He said it was important to attract people who do not live in the town and outlined a series of events to achieve this. These include the annual fair, Christmas lights and the prospect of live music in the Market Place. A beer festival and Halloween event are also planned.
Phil Poulter, economic development officer for the partnership, said: "Ilkeston has its unique identity. We want to support that against the Nottinghams and Derbys of this world."
Chamber of Trade official Colin Smith said the town offers cheap parking and added: "Economic rents are reduced compared to the major cities. And it has a damned good bus service."
Peter Edwards,a member of the Erewash Council for Voluntary Service, said the town could benefit from the project to build 4,000 homes with community facilities on land once used by the Stanton Works.
"We want them to shop at Ilkeston," he told the meeting, which also discussed expansion at the Ikea site in the Erewash Valley at Giltbrook.
While some traders regarded it as a threat, others felt it could benefit the neighbourhood because Ikea attracts people from a wide range - and efforts could be made to encourage them to visit Ilkeston as well.
Joining the call for an improved Ilkeston was Erewash MP Liz Blackman. She said she is unhappy with the way market stall holders have been treated and the process used to close Albion Leisure Centre - and she wrote to the leader of the council Cllr Chris Corbett demanding to know how his council is going to proceed in developing the town centre.
"There was no consultation before decisions were made and I don't believe Erewash Borough Council has any vision it is working towards in the future. Some change is inevitable but it has got to benefit the people of Ilkeston and have broad consent.
Do you think Ilkeston could do with an image overhaul? Leave a comment below and let us know. That is why I am asking the leader to come clean and explain to local people what is in it for them,” she added.
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Weather for Ilkeston
Saturday 04 February 2012
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Heavy snow
Temperature: -2 C to 1 C
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