Acting Council Leader hits back over town centre criticism

In a statement to tonight's Council meeting the Acting Leader of the Borough Council, Cllr Stuart Bray, will hit back at claims that the Council is not taking action to combat the number of shops closing during the current economic climate.

Cllr Bray will say as part of his "position statement":-

"…Which brings me to recent media comments about this Council being "blind" to the needs of local shops and businesses, who are facing financial difficulties in these uncertain times. Can I make it abundantly clear that this Council is not responsible for the recession and shops closing/being under threat or for the difficulties faced by local businesses.

"On the contrary, the actions we have taken (supporting the BID, developing and taking action to implement plans for future regeneration, making our town centre safe, our First Response Team and our seeking to intercede in apparent difficulties with business tenants and owners) are focused solely on the development of our town. This is after years of neglect, made worse by the current recession. Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council has not caused the recession, but we are acting to minimise its effects and preparing to accelerate recovery, at least as far as this Borough is concerned."