With the German Markets being put together this morning the feeling of Christmas is spreading around the city with just 61 sleeps to go.
Today we launched our motion to support local businesses and boost high streets this Christmas. The motion due to be discussed at the next Full Council meeting highlights the struggle that many businesses have felt over the last 18 months and proposes a series of measures that aim to provide a boost over the Christmas period as well as a long term plan to ensure our local centres can thrive.
Some of the measures include:
- Support local Christmas markets in local centres, showcasing the best of local businesses
- Fund Christmas light displays in local centres
- Lead a ‘Shop Local this Christmas’ campaign across the City
- Make council-owned empty units available at discounted rates for pop up businesses
- Provide Free Parking in all council-owned car parks near high streets
- Provide additional street cleaning crews in all local high streets
Cllr Peter Fowler (Harborne), who will propose the motion added
“Harborne, like many communities across Birmingham, is lucky to have a high street full of small independent businesses. I know from speaking to owners that many have struggled through the last 18 months and tell us the Council could be doing more, that is why I am proud to present this motion at the next council meeting and call on all Councillors to back it. After all, they wouldn’t want to end up on the naughty list.”
Cllr Darius Sandhu (Oscott), who is seconding the motion, said
"The City Council needs to start prioritising local centres like Kingstanding Circle. They can do this in the short term by paying for Christmas lights and longer term by helping improve safety and helping create local hubs".
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