"Go back to original plans" - Hunneman

12.00.00am GMT Thu 16th Nov 2006

Roger Hunneman is concerned about Newbury town centre arrangements

Councillor Roger Hunneman, who represents Victoria ward which includes the Market Place and Northbrook Street, is today calling for the original Christmas plans for the town centre to be reinstated. The original proposal would have seen the market remain in Northbrook Street until January, to allow them to take advantage of increased footfall and profits in the festive period. This would leave the newly-revamped Market Place free for the show piece ice rink sponsored by local businesses.

Councillor Hunneman commented:

"It seems to me that the best plans for Newbury town centre over the festive season were the original proposals. Now not only do we have the market traders moved back two months early, after having been promised by the Tory administration they could remain in Northbrook Street until January, but we look set to lose the temporary ice rink, which there will now not be room for in the Market Place. Let's go back to basics, and get it right."

Councillor Hunneman continued:

"This is a huge shame, particularly when local businesses have collaborated to sponsor this seasonal attraction to show off the revamped Market Place in all its glory. There will be a public meeting organised by the Town Council to discuss the town centre arrangements in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall on Tuesday 21st November at 7.30 pm. I would urge everyone concerned about the new arrangements to come along and share their views on the 21st."