Our High Streets needs more support to emerge unscathed
South Ayrshire’s High Streets require a “strategy that is sorely missing” in order to emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, says one top councillor.
Martin Dowey, leader of the authority’s Conservative opposition, claims he is alarmed at the lack of apparent direction and support being shown to local firms as they emerge from the pandemic.
The call comes as concerns grow that many firms, from national chains to small independents, will struggle to get back on their feet as lockdown restrictions ease.
Cllr Dowey this week claimed the lack of an apparent “joined up approach” between council and business could hurt the local economy moving forward.
It comes as figures show spending fell by 38 per cent in Ayr since the end of March when compared with last year.
In Kilmarnock and Irvine, spending fell by 25 per cent and in Girvan there was a 23 per cent decline.
Cllr Dowey said: “Retailers and our tourism businesses have endured a dreadful time since they were forced to close in late March and we need to do everything possible to support them in the months ahead as they begin to reopen and rebuild.
“That should mean the council taking the steps it can to ease where possible the regulatory burden on small businesses and encourage shoppers back into our town centres.
“We should be taking steps like temporarily scrapping parking charges to encourage shoppers to come out, and relaxing laws on outdoor eating and drinking this summer, so our pubs, cafes and restaurants get the best chance of recovery possible.
“It’s time for the council’s leadership to step up and push forward with the action plan we need to help South Ayrshire’s town centres and businesses recover.”
But new South Ayrshire Council leader, the SNP’s Peter Henderson, hit back at the criticism, claiming the comments showed the Conservatives to be “out of touch”.
He said: “We as a council are seeking to pull together in local partnership for economic recovery and on my unanimous election, I asked that we all work together and was assured we would.
“It is my opinion that we must work with all partners and politicians for the benefit of the people of South Ayrshire. In order to rebuild the economy, protect against redundancies and support everyone.”
Cllr Henderson said a number of support initiatives have been put in place including Non-Domestic rates relief, Business Support Grants, the Newly Self-Employed Hardship Fund (NSHF) and the B&B Hardship Fund.
The South Ayrshire COVID-19 Strategic Enterprise Programme is also offering “expert help” and grant funding to companies.
“I can only say that South Ayrshire Council are pushing forward taking initiatives and being proactive,” added Cllr Henderson.
“The efforts of our staff have been exemplary in all areas from providing food to offering advice to all in this pandemic.
“They have gone above and beyond as have councillors.
“These kind of statements denigrate and demoralise everyone for no other reason than to attempt to score political points, the information is available to all councillors and perhaps highlights the lack of effort and thought in putting it out.”