After a hundred years of Little Lever having a self contained Village Centre where anything required for daily life could be bought, it has been clear for a few years that in this respect it has been declining.
As shopping patterns changed and out of town shopping centre became more popular, the viability of some of the businesses suffered and one by one businesses closed so today, although you have your hair done at ten different places you can't buy a pair of socks.
In August 2008, in sight of the impending recession I was approached by a local businessman who had concerns for the future and we had several discussions about what could be done to halt or even reverse the decline.
This resulted in the formation of a small group of business people and together with the other Ward Councillors we had quite a few meetings during 2009 to identify problems and possible solutions.
It became clear that a major part of the problem was the unattractiveness of the Precinct buildings.
The whole of this is privately owned by a company registered in Gibraltar and managed by a small company in London.
Although the Precinct Square is similarly owned, it has been 'adopted' by Bolton Council and we are able to do some cosmetic work
Here are some pictures of the situation in early 2009 showing the 'grot spots' around the Precinct
Disgusting !!!
Who would shop in a Precinct like this?
Next Blog - We make a start.
Sean
Comments to electseanhornby@hotmail.co.uk
Promoted by Paul Richardson 24 Ripon Close Little Lever BL3 1EQ on behalf of Sean Hornby 35 Willams St Little Lever Bl3 1LQ
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