howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
17 December 2009
23:5635092not really concerned about other towns and cities vic, just pointing out the pitfalls.
you are looking at things from a different angle to many, you live out of town and have the use of a car.
development at whitfield, with free parking suits you, not the majority that live in urban dover.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
18 December 2009
08:0635096You can never please all of the people all of the time, so whatever is decided, someone is not going to be happy.
It was brought before the Planning Committee last night and I couldn't speak because I am now Dover Business Support Manager.
When the DTIZ came up before the planning committee, I couldn't speak then because I ran the Dover Loyalty Scheme.
Developments like Westwood Cross have killed the Towns of Margate and Ramsgate - there's no need for people to go into those Towns as there is also a large Tesco and Sainsbury's close by.
The other side of the roundabout is a big new BHS etc. alongside the already running Matalan, Comet, pets shop, carpet shop etc. etc.
If they could condition the application, so that only large bulky items such as fridges, freezers washing machines, cookers etc. could be sold up there, then it wouldn't harm the Town at all; but doesn't Delmaines in the High Street sell these items ?
Towns will survive if people can be "inventive" and run a business that wouldn't/couldn't be duplicated up at Whitfield; we need specialist shops, bespoke service and products, but most of all, our shops need YOUR SUPPORT.
There was a move sometime ago by the Government (I guess this one as it's been in power for a long time) that were stopping "Out of Town" developments because of their negative impact on town centres.
We had the opportunity for MacArthur Glen a good few years back, but that was stopped and as we know, it went to Ashford.
Ashford Town centre didn't die because of MacArthur Glen, it thrived actually and had new developments a couple of years or so ago.
Dover businesses definitely need support and promoting; people need to support their Town; I would have thought that most Dover businesss would have done very well during December, but sadly, from talking to them, some have not - and if shops don't do well in December, when will they ?
We won't get new shops in Dover until businesss can see the current ones are being supported and are thriving, not just surviving.
At the moment, I'm not sure about this development - it could kill Dover, or it could be our Saviour and I'm not sure which it will be.
Roger
Sue Nicholas- Location: river
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 6,023
18 December 2009
09:3035103I well rember the Mcarthy Glenn episode and yes it went to Ashford .AShford has survied and they have a new shopping complex there which I visited recently .
Roger you are right we need some specialist shops ,a Fish monger ,a decent wine shop and above all a decent clothes shop for the mature woman .On another thread there is talk of the Mayors Ball .Well where do you go for a decent little black number ??Most of all where does a person of certain standing aquire a hat .
Dover needs more select shops where you can browse .We used to have a beautiful China and glass shop .Dont people use beautiful china and glass anymore ??
Howard the idea is you catch a bus to Whitfield choose a washing machine and have it delivered or get a taxi home .
Come on Dover raise your game .
Guest 651- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,673
18 December 2009
09:4335104Sue, Ashford is a lot different as the majority of shops, even the Outlet are within walking distance of the Town Centre.
China and Glass, that is down De Bradlei...
Been nice knowing you :)
18 December 2009
09:4335105Sue - a great big thumbs up
to all three of your shopping suggestions!! And if you want some nice china, sometimes the best place is a charity shop!! I love proper china, there's nothing like it, and a while back bought a lovely set of cups saucers and plates from Barnardo.
Guest 658- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 660
18 December 2009
11:3635107What people in authority must understand is that the priority now must be jobs in the town. Any proposed development that brings work to the townsfolk must be made welcome, with jobs come wages and spending power which is the best way we can get a thriving town.
beer the food of the gods
Guest 686- Registered: 5 May 2009
- Posts: 556
18 December 2009
11:5635110A good start might be to refurbish and re-open the shops and business premises that we already have. It might even be a cheaper option than new-build and would certainly help to regenerate the middle of the town.
Phil West
If at first you don't succeed, use a BIGGER hammer!!
Terry Nunn
- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,303
18 December 2009
12:3635112An excellent brown and white goods store would be the old Sainsburys, car park and loading bay at the rear.
Terry
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
18 December 2009
12:5835121quzzler Good to have you on my side that must be a first I might even get your vote next time
Phil take it from me new builds are alot cheaper for big stores in most times.
Terry Wilkinsons are still looking at that site again a first for me just like morrinsons was and then they said "It Matcham talking again it will not happen" well i was right it did come and so will Wilkinsons trust me.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
18 December 2009
14:0535126what site are wilkinsons looking at victor?
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
18 December 2009
15:5335131The old pound shop up the high St .I will tell you more in the new year.
Sue Nicholas- Location: river
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 6,023
18 December 2009
17:5635139Did the application get rejected last night ??
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
18 December 2009
18:2835141Sue I do not think that the council know about it yet,so I am told.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
18 December 2009
18:5035143i hope that you are right vic, that site would fit in perfectly with wilkinsons.
a little bit far from the town centre, but with the other shops like morrisons and nettos close by, they would do well.
they stock a lot of stuff that b & Q did when they were in that part of town.
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
18 December 2009
23:4035167Howard again just wait and see in the new year mate,
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
19 December 2009
08:5335175Apparantly - and I have to say apparantly, as I don't have confirmation, all the empty shops in the Market Square have offers on them to open, so this would be good news - if they are the type of shops we want in the Market Square..
I say that because we have a big "Charity" shop on one corner and one of those empty shops is going to be a cheque encashment service, so those benefit cheques can be cashed; also second-hand goods bought and sold in there - similar I understand, to the service offered by Albermarle and Bond round the corner, but not as good.
If it will actually be a high-grade shop for the discerning "Man about Town" to cash his cheques and have quality items to sell, then that's an obvious advantage.
The Market Square should be one of, if not the most prestigious shopping area in Dover, but with a benefit cheque-cashing service and a big charity shop, it doesn't exactly create that quality image - does it ?
If the Planners can reject the retail park for Whitfield because of its perceived damage to Dover Town, then something should have been done against this place, as it will also have a detrimental affect on central Dover.
A good Business Plan, affordable rent and rates and a product that people want to buy, should be a recipe for success; the first one can be achieved with help and guidance from the Chamber of Commerce if required; the last one is very important and needs a lot of thought, but it's the two in the middle, that stop many new businesses from even getting off the ground and is where most help is needed - again some help on this can be given by the Chamber of Commerce.
After the New Year, renewed efforts must be made on tidying up the closed shops and having good artwork done on or in, the windows of them. This will be one of my main priorities as Dover Business Support Manager.
Roger
Sue Nicholas- Location: river
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 6,023
19 December 2009
09:5135187Roger what seems like many moons ago I asked a senior officer of the council if something could be done to stop mail being posted in an empty shop .So far all i have got is its all in the big plan for street scene .I would have thought the ward councillors could have taken more pride in their patch .Charity begins at home .
Vic I was referring to the retail proposal at Whitfield .Perhaps Roger can enlighten us .
Guest 659- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 331
19 December 2009
11:2635192Sue, the decision has been deferred until February
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
19 December 2009
11:4735193susan
the issue of post in derelict shops is outside the control of the council or councillors.
the royal mail is duty bound to deliver to the address on the envelope.
however, landlords that give a toss, would seal up the letter box.
not many of them though.
Guest 674- Registered: 25 Jun 2008
- Posts: 3,391
19 December 2009
13:4635210ROGER
Think over years we have agreed the effect the planning dept's decisions can have on priory or bigger the Town.
We fought on many issues on the same side, but sadly in the main I don't the planning dept listened, they played lip service to us and our Vic.
One thing i still find very strange and oppose strongly, is that if your local, have knowledge of, or experience in, an area you are according top council not allowed to voice your opinion.
What a stupid ruling, something I ignored in my time on the council!!!!!
At the end of the day the electorate EXPECTS you to speak up for them, thats why your elected.
On the town centre, i think its fair to say with clear policies to build out of town by this council, the town centre in the main won't be able to compete/survive, apart from some of the nationals.
thats a sad fact of life.
