Consider Christmas retailing call

A Dundee councillor has made an early call for festive support for city retailers to help their recovery from the coronavirus crisis.

Dundee City Council Labour group city development spokesman Richard Mccready said he would like to see the authority do “all in its power” to protect jobs in the city centre and right across the city.

Mr Mccready said: “I want to pay tribute to the many retailers, especially local retailers in the city, who have risen to the challenge of recent months and have delivered above and beyond the call of duty to their communities.

“However, these past few months have seen many shops closed.

“In the media there are reports of very large retailers who are closing stores and making people redundant.

“This should be a wake-up call for us in Dundee.

“Christmas is a major time for retailers. We recognise that some of the events that have happened in the past might be difficult to arrange this year, but we must look for new and innovative ways to make Dundee and all its shopping areas attractive during this Christmas period.

“I am aware that some parts of the city, such as my own West End ward, benefit from a Christmas tree to bring some brightness to the celebrations.

“I know that in the middle of the summer, Christmas seems like a very long way away, but we must ensure that Dundee City Council works with local retailers to do all we can to make Christmas a joyous time for everyone and at the same time protect jobs and livelihoods in Dundee.”