Statement from Councillor James Adams - on the Closure of M&S in Kings Street, Kilmarnock.
"Make no bones about it that fact that Marks and Spencer will be ending their 100 year association with our town centre is devastating. They are the key retailer in our town centre and many other businesses rely on their footfall. However their move does not come as a surprise, the closure of their King Street store has been rumoured for some time. Record levels of shoplifting, high business costs and rising parking charges were unsustainable.
Since being elected I have tried to change the way our town centre operates. This landmark closure signifies the urgent need to review the current direction of our town centres development and we must expedite a bold new strategy to reflect the changing landscape of our shopping and leisure habits.
I fully believe that we need a bold plan to reinvigorate and revitalise the Town Centre in Kilmarnock and I will work our retailers and other political groups to achieve this:
I fully support ‘Removing Parking Charges’ in Kilmarnock's Council-owned car parks. Like our neighbours in our retail parks, Sliverburn, Troon and Irvine free parking would encourage more shoppers to support our high street businesses. Free parking would also attract new businesses to invest in our town centre.
Since my election I have regularly highlighted the unacceptable state of our town centre. Rubbish being dumped, dead trees, weeds, overflowing bins and anti social behaviour. Without addressing these basic issues we will not be able to attract new businesses to our town.
I am keen to consider the development of housing within the town centre, the caveat is that this must be the right type of housing. We will only get one shot at this so our housing must be designed to encourage professional people to live, shop and dine within our town centre and promote the evening economy.
I support an increased police presence in Kilmarnock Town Centre: putting more police officers on our streets will help to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour that harm local businesses and communities. Rather than a vibrant bus station encouraging shoppers into our town, many residents are not comfortable using this facility and chose to shop elsewhere.
I support Business rates exemptions: The Scottish Conservatives have proposed allowing councils to create business rates-free zones in high streets and town centres to stimulate local economies. Again this policy would generate new businesses within our town centre and promote employment.
Our antiquated one way system is confusing and outdated. I am keen to consider reintroducing a two way system and opening up King Street to traffic.
Finally I support the creation of a bold Plan for Kilmarnock which can be formulated by meaningful conversation with Local Businesses, Community Groups and real consultation with Town Centre, and local planning powers.
In the meantime we still have many excellent businesses in our town who survive despite the daily barriers that they face. I encourage everyone to continue to shop local and support our traders."
