Facebook thoughts on how city can boost trade

In response to the outcome of the BID vote we asked on out Facebook page what could be done to boost trade in Stirling. Here are some of the comments:

Victoria Struthers:“As a business owner in King Street, I am so pleased this has went through this time.

“It may not be the magic wand needed but it’s a step in the right direction. I want to see colour, vitality and our Scottish heritage as a visual all around the town centre and let’s make more of the independents.

“Fingers crossed it’s the start of something positive.”

Gillian Millar:“Clean streets, they are disgusting! The birds peck at the plastic bags the tenants have to leave out. Surely they can have better facilities to put their rubbish in.”

David Stevenson: “Lower the rates and attract businesses back to the city. King Street is a ghost town and with plans to close off the entrance/exit out of The Thistles will only make it worse.”

Brenda Barclay:“Make Stirling - not just the same old same old ever other town and city is. If you stand in Stirling and look around you could be anywhere as it looks the same as everywhere else. Encourage small business that are different.”

Mary McClelland: “Clean up the chewing gum on the pavements and stop people smoking outside the doors at The Thistle. I used to work there and also lived there in the 60s/70s for a short time. We come back from Melbourne most years and each time we see the town getting worse.”

Lisa Bryson:“Establish a regularly-occurring public event that showcases the city’s shops, music, culture and tourism.

“Lower the rates on under utilized properties so that they can be developed affordably.

“This would help bring in some independent retailers and provide a mix of products and services rather than just bookies, charity shops and discount stores and therefore creating a diverse retail offer for all budgets.

“In turn you would find that community spirit would be raised and people would be proud of their town.”

Malcolm Corrigan: “That stupid one way system in Murray Place must go for a start.”

Heather Campbell:“I feel really intimidated walking through the town.

“Groups of drunk people, people begging, others very clearly dealing drugs. Why on earth would I want to spend any time or money there?”

Kay Almeida: “Such a shame to have seen it go downhill. Shopping wise, unless you want a house, a mobile phone or a holiday you’re out of luck.

“The fact the council wouldn’t lower business rates to save a local institution like McAree’s is a disgrace. Still unsure why so much was spent on a new logo without investing in the area to make it more attractive for people who do visit, or to encourage locals to stay.

“Clearly the council aren’t interested in supporting local businesses.The disgraceful debacle going on just now with the pavilion at King’s Park shows that they will in fact screw over local businesses if it means getting more money, regardless of what the community thinks.”