Let’s rediscover the spirit of 2021 bid
Since 1931, Paisley residents have been going to Marks & Spencer on the High Street.
It was M&S’ third store in Scotland and led the way for further openings across the country.
Now, however, the retailer has decided to pull out of the town centre.
And this isn’t just any closure, it’s one that is a massive blow for Paisley and one that’ll have lasting consequences.
Like many Express readers, I regularly shop at the Paisley store. Anyone who shops there knows that it is an anchor store that brings shoppers to the town and generates business for smaller shops and cafes on the high street.
Moving to a food-only operation at Wallneuk will lose M&S many loyal customers – particularly older customers and those without a car.
Too often, these groups get ignored in these decisions.
I’m sick of reading stories like this and I know you will be too.
How many shops need to be boarded up and how many redundancy notices handed out before real action is taken?
I know some will blame Braehead or the High Street’s pedestrianisation for this closure, but I think it’s much more current and complex than either of these things. M&S has survived in Paisley for decades. To me, what’s changed is the ambition and leadership locally and nationally for Paisley.
The community and local businesses continue to put forward positive ideas but where is the investment? Where’s the plan to bounce back from covid and counter the rise of online sales?
It’s Scotland’s biggest town, yet the Scottish Government don’t care enough about it. There’s no grand plan to divert funding or bring in tourism and business to the town.
And it’s worse locally.
SNP politicians claim to have a plan for the town – you’d be excused for questioning how the closure of M&S or previous decisions to hike up parking charges, which only chased shoppers away, fits into that.
Taking these things into account, the SNP’s response to this news has been sadly but unsurprisingly lacklustre. They’ve condemned the decision and written a letter. Is that it? Where is the fight and determination for Paisley?
Paisley has a really proud history and I believe, with the right plan, could have an even better future ahead of it. Yet, here we are, at this critical moment for the town. I can’t help but contrast the situation now with 2017 when we launched Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021.
Those proposals and that time inspired so much confidence in our town. It was a real and genuine plan for Paisley. And although the bid was unsuccessful, that vision was supposed to be the start of something. We were meant to build on the success and create a better Paisley for us all.
Where has that spirit gone?
Because, in the end, it’s not just about a shop closing, it is about the carelessness of Marks and Spencer’s decision and the lack of action from those who should be mobilising to save and enhance Paisley town centre.
People here deserve so much more than what’s on offer.
Paisley needs a better plan, one that rediscovers that City of Culture vision.
For that to be realised, however, it’ll take those in charge raising their game – and fast.