A GOVERNMENT minister paid a visit to Rugby to focus on town centre renewal and local economic growth.
Alex Norris, Minister for Democracy and Local Growth, joined Rugby MP John Slinger, Rugby Borough Council leader Coun Michael Moran and fellow councillors for a walking tour of the town centre.
The tour took in the independent quarter, the pedestrianised area, Caldecott Park, St Andrew’s Church gardens, Market Place and Rugby Central shopping centre, during which the minister was briefed on the council’s plans for the revitalisation of the town centre.
The tour ended at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, where Mr Slinger chaired a meeting attended by local small business owners, representatives of larger companies, the Chamber of Commerce, the Growth Hub, Warwickshire College Group and others.
Attendees put their views to the minister, Coun Moran and Mr Slinger, and a discussion was held about town centre renewal and steps needed to stimulate the local economy.
Mr Norris said: “I’m so grateful for John for convening a great group of local stakeholders all committed to improving Rugby.
“With their efforts, the future looks bright.”
Mr Slinger said: “Revitalising Rugby town centre and our high streets, and securing a thriving local economy, are priorities I share with the administration at the Town Hall and the government.
“It was important to me to bring together the people who can work together to make this happen; the council leader and the minister with responsibility for local and regional growth, high streets and towns and central government funding for local areas – but by far the most important of all, local business leaders, skills providers and those concerned with boosting the local economy.
“It was a really constructive exchange of views. There is a golden opportunity here for positive change because we have local businesses with so much to offer, and a community that wants positive change. This can only be achieved by working together.”
Coun Moran added: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Alex to Rugby to talk about the issues and challenges we face as a local authority but also, critically, a chance to talk about some of our exciting plans for the town and wider Borough.”
