Press Releases for 2005
Maidstone Green Party call for local business improvement
11 April 2005The Maidstone Green Party has called for a review of the town centre development following the opening of the new Fremlin's Walk and the failed 'Business Improvement District' pilot. Stuart Jeffery, County Council candidate for Maidstone Rural North, said "The council should not be asking for more money from the independent shops to improve the town centre and attract shoppers, the council should be making it easier for the independent shops to survive in increasingly hostile times and promoting the vibrant diversity found in good local economies."
The Maidstone Green Party suggests that the town centre is becoming more and more bland through a takeover by large chain stores and bars at the expense of our local economy and heritage. The Party expressed sadness at the failure of the council to maintain the Carriage Museum and also the destruction of numerous old buildings to construct Fremlin Walk. They were also disgusted at the council allowing another 'chain' bar to open in the town's centre.
The Maidstone Green Party wants Maidstone to start to investing in itself by forgetting the "BID" pilot and for the council to provide investment and improvements in our town by providing tax breaks for smaller business. The Party feels that there is a now an opportunity as retailers move to Fremlin walk, to fill the vacant shops with locally owned, interesting businesses, but this will only happen with encouragement and support from the council.
Contact Details: Stuart Jeffery 01622 676984 or 0797 0436 029
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