News
11th Feb 2010
Alliance talks
Yesterday morning the representatives of business groups in Mid-Sussex (the Business Alliance) once again went to MSDC to meet with the new Leader of the Council, Garry Wall, and the Chief Executive, John Jory.
This is part of a series of ongoing discussions designed to get some agreement with the District Council on a new Economic Development Strategy for the area. Discussions were very frank and lasted for more than an hour, during which time some progress was made.
It must be said that there are still some areas of difference, but it felt as if there was a greater determination to make something happen this time, and we must thank Garry and John for their input and time.
Among other subjects covered was the issue of the demise of Thornfields and the speculation about the future of the town centre redevelopment schemes. The Council will know little more until the Administration procedures have finished.
All parties were agreed that it is very disappointing news for Mid-Sussex, but there was hope that, so much work having already been done, all was not lost yet for the Town Centre Redevelopments. In fact, the scheme for Burgess Hill was possibly further forward than the others.
There was also discussion of the thorny issue of parking charges, and the obvious link which is the slow demise of our shopping centres in small towns.
Of course, the context of our discussions was the financial position at the moment, as we reach what we assume may be the lowest point of the recession. We recognised that in this part of the country we are still fortunate, by comparison with many areas.
Another longer meeting is due, and discussions will continue.
