Town’s Westport in bid for ‘independence’

THE Westport area of Arbroath could make a break for “independence” from the seaside town.

A meeting today was due to discuss a plan to take the concept forward of promoting the Westport “as a separate entity”.

Jean Stewart said the area, which is home to coffee shops, bakeries, food outlets and gift shops, would be promoted as “Westport Village” for “marketing purposes”.

The idea has already generated quite a buzz, with many of the area’s independent retailers getting behind the project.

Mrs Stewart, former owner of the Brewhouse and Sugar and Spice, is supporting the idea, which was discussed during the Arbroath charrette process last year.

She said that if there is enthusiasm for the idea she would be happy to look at sources of funding for improved signs and street furniture.

“I carried out a leaflet drop but it is too early to say what the response is yet,” she said.

“This is only my personal opinion but if we start small with one area of the town and get it freshened up and make it really appealing for visitors when they step off the train, it would have a knockon effect.

“A tidy cheery street would make the locals smile too and surely that is what it is all about?

“Happy people will part with money in a nice environment, and in this age of internet shopping a ‘village’ atmosphere could be the way to fight back.”

Arbroath was the focus of a design charrette in February last year which gathered the opinions, ideas and aspirations of local people in order to develop a vision of what the community wants for the town.