Why we think a debate on the Future of Northampton Town Centre is important

12.00.00am GMT Sat 13th Mar 2010

Why it's so important people have their voices heard:

When the Lib Dems were elected to run Northampton Borough Council in 2007, we made the future of our town centre one of our top priorities.

For too long, Labour and Conservative Councillors, backed by their colleagues in Westminster, have neglected our town centre by allowing ever more out-of-town retail development, raising car parking charges and failing to invest in our town to attract the businesses, jobs and growth we need.

Since the Lib Dems' Guildhall election win in 2007, we have frozen shoppers' parking charges, reduced prices on Sundays, invested in the Market Square and signed an agreement for a massive expansion of the Grosvenor Centre.

Now our policies are coming under fire, with Conservative Councillors, supported by local MP, Brian Binley, opposing our firm stand against yet more out-of-town retail.

Conservatives say we should encourage supermarket developments outside our town centre that would destroy the town's remaining small and medium-sized businesses and allow a handful of multi-nationals to take control of our shopping. In doing so, they are questioning our plans to redevelop the Grosvenor Centre and nearby Greyfriars Bus Station to provide a shopping centre fit for the 21st Century.

Lib Dems at the Guildhall have decided that it is time for a full and frank debate about the future of our town centre. We have invited Brian Binley MP to an open debate, completely open the hard-working taxpayers of our town. He has accepted our invitation and will go head-to-head with Lib Dem Planning Spokesperson, Richard Church.

The debate will be completely free flowing. Anyone is welcome to attend and ask a question. With big differences between Liberal Democrat and Conservative plans for Northampton, this is sure to be a lively debate.

Places are limited so if you would like to attend, please email towncentredebate@northampton.gov.uk to reserve up to two tickets.

This is a vitally important moment for the future of our town. I hope you will be able to come along and join the debate.

All the best,

Northampton Liberal Democrats

ENDS

Details of the event are as follows:

What: Public Debate - 'The future of Northampton town centre'

When: Thursday 25th March 2010, 18.30-20.00.

Where: Great Hall, The Guildhall, St Giles Square, Northampton, NN1 1DE

How: Tickets are free. Please book ahead by emailing: towncentredebate@northampton.gov.uk

Panel: Mr. Brian Binley, Conservative MP for Northampton South &Cllr. Richard Church Liberal Democrat Planning Spokesperson, Northampton Borough Council