The following is a brief list of measures to help increase footfall to Dumbarton Town Centre. It has been compiled in consultation with our members and is a concise, achievable action plan intended for implementation in the short term.
1) Identify a traffic management system, which meets the needs of all town centre users and reverse the decline in footfall, which has been a result of the current system.
2) Take whatever steps necessary and possible to encourage property factors and owners/ commercial tenants with frontages on the High Street to refurbish and renew.
3) Re-open the public toilets in Quay Street. This is one of the complaints we hear most. People do not like the “portaloo” on the quayside and it seems unfit for purpose. Often our members are left to provide toilet facilities for customers and their children. This is an unsatisfactory situation.
4) Look at the possibilities of providing permanent CCTV and other measures which will increase the safety and security of the area. This also would include an increase in street lighting, which several of our members have indicated as inadequate.
5) There should be better signage in approaches to Dumbarton (e.g. at Dumbuck and Barloan) to indicate the town centre. Dumbarton is the last town of any size on the A82 route north and more could be made of this.
6) Introduce a policy for to-let signs. The current forest of to let boards adds to the gloomy nature of the town. We ask that WDC consult with letting agents to have to-let or for sale signs displayed in the windows of properties with a suitable backing (e.g brown paper). We also understand that discussion has also already taken place to try to facilitate a system whereby there could be a local point for potential tenants to collect keys to view vacant properties. This is a measure we fully support.
3 responses so far ↓
david clunie // April 21, 2008 at 11:42 am |
On the subject of the “To Let” signs i feel that the town looks awful, and certainly doesnt, or wouldnt inspire potential businesses to come to Dumbarton. I also feel at the moment the rent and rates within the town are far too high, and how can the councill hope to have a thriving town centre if costs are prohibitive for potential retailers. I know its a difficult question, to which there are very few good answers – keep up the good work Robert. This is my first time on the site, but i will keep looking at the comments now on a regular basis. DC
Robert Ryan (chairman) // April 23, 2008 at 3:20 pm |
David, many thanks for your kind words. Your comment is a reminder that Business for Dumbarton is not just about shops but also service based and professional businesses (like yourselves) delivering advice and care for local people. Unfortunately the number of private landlords combined with the rating system (which is notoriously slow to react to changes) means that not much can be done in the short term. However should there be any further delay in doing something about the traffic management system and our other modest requests, I will be recommending that we all apply for a revaluation on the grounds of material change. This was done successfully in Paisley.
Regeneration « Working Towards a Better Dumbarton // April 30, 2009 at 7:49 am |
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