[Gayle]

I don't think the salvation of our town centre would be a NEXT store.

Few random thoughts.
If we were unable to attract the big names these are what I would do -
concentrate on nearby housing - there are some but not many houses in the town centre - if there were better flats and accomodation much more centrally then you'd get a better economy there. As it is the houses closest to the town centre are some of the worst in the area.

Where people are there is money - so improved evening facilities like restaurants - not just fast food places. I can only think of one restaurant roughly in the centre.

Attractions - there is no reason to come into the centre in the evening unless you're a drinker.

Obviously, not just concentrating on the evening culture but I've said it many times - specialist shops - not NEXT and the like but boutiques, delis, art shops etc. As it is at the moment NEXT won't come but they'd be in like a shot if the town had something special to offer.

Making it attractive - by that I mean the roads into the town as well. If someone was coming by bus the route in has to look good. Look immediately out of the centre and the majority of routes in are run down. I know there's work going on Blackburn Rd but all the routes need looking at.

There needs to be better controls about what sort of shop fronts are allowed - i.e. no back lit signs, no garish colours, all in keeping with a certain style - even the big boys curb their usual garish styles when they're in upmarket towns.

Finally, policing - by bringing more houses/flats into the centre you'd have an automatic police force twitching their curtains. But you need more of a presence during the days as well so that trouble is moved on or stopped before it's started. Get the message over loud and clear.

Oh, and clamp down on chewing gum and litter.