IN response to the letter “Poole deserves better” and the headline Poole High Street “dead on its knees”, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the positive work being done to improve Poole town centre.

We are working closely with Legal and General – who own the lease to the Dolphin Shopping Centre – to create the right business environment which will enable them to improve, enhance and invest in the centre.

As well as mall refurbishment works, we are expecting to see a major multi-million pound project designed to uplift and modernise Kingland Crescent and Falkland Square.

We are sure these improvements will help attract more high end retail and catering establishments to Poole along with much needed leisure operators.

New retailers seem to be reacting to news of these developments with bar and restaurant operators Loungers being one of the first operators to commit to a new unit in the shopping centre this year.

Poole, as with most town centres, has struggled to react to the changes in shopping habits.

The success of superstores, retail parks and internet shopping have all had an impact on traditional traders who are struggling to react to these trends.

To help us react to these changes Poole now has its own Business Improvement District (BID) which is working with businesses to ensure Poole gets its market share as well as giving businesses a real say in how the area is managed. Over £1.5 million is being used to invest in Poole and to help our high street retailers meet the challenges of today and the future.

Quotes comparing Poole to Boscombe and statements that our high street is “dead on its knees” are grossly unfair to the hard working retailers of Poole and do nothing to inspire enterprise and positive change.

With positive energy and a willingness to work together Poole High Street will no doubt prosper in the years to come. Let’s work together and make it happen!

COUNCILLOR SEAN GABRIEL

Canford Heath West, Borough of Poole, Chairman - Business Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee

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