Cllr Tom Wootton (Wyboston Ward), the Conservative Mayoral Candidate has attacked Mayor Dave Hodgson (Lib Dems) over a “lack of vision” for Bedford Town Centre after Next announced it was closing its Midland Road branch.
The closure of Next in the town centre has been mooted after it moved its former Interchange Retail store to the former Toys R Us unit on the same site.
Read: Next to open new mega store in former Interchange Toys R Us site
The relocation included massive investment in an out-of-town offering, including a coffee shop and Mamas and Papas store inside.
This investment led many to believe the Midland Road store’s days were numbed. This was confirmed recently with staff being told the Midland Road store would close its doors at 6pm on 3 September.
Lack of vision
The closure has led Cllr Wootton to criticise the mayor and Cllr Henry Vann (Lib Dem, De Parys) who is the portfolio holder for town centres and planning for their “lack of vision“ for Bedford.
“The current Mayor and Councillor Vann continue to peddle the line that the town centre is doing well and they have the situation under control, despite all evidence to the contrary,” said Cllr Wootton.
“With Next the latest retailer to announce their departure from the town centre too, it is clear that the current Mayor hasn’t really come up with any constructive ideas to address the changing nature of retail in our town centres.
“His lack of vision for our town centre and the absence of a clear town centre strategy risk losing ever more retail over time without anything to take its place – despite £24.36m in financial support from Central Government.
“Residents of Bedford Borough need to use their vote wisely at the next election if they want to see a change in our town”
In response, Cllr Vann agrees the closure of Next is disappointing but refutes claims they are not doing enough to secure new tenants as quickly as possible.
“It is obviously disappointing that Next will be vacating their Midland Road unit,” said Cllr Vann.
“We are actively engaging with the landlord’s agent around any potential new occupiers who we understand may commit to a longer, more secure lease in the unit.
“Our many independent stores offer an outstanding, unique and personalised shopping experience, alongside the national chains.
“The recent arrival of B&M in the town centre continues to benefit footfall in this area. We will continue to invest in the Borough’s town centres to support our growing diverse and vibrant offer beyond retail-only – this includes a local plan and planning policy which prioritises town centre growth.
“Whether it be through the £22.6 million Bedford Town Deal secured working with partners across the Borough, the £1.76m High Street Heritage Action Zone project and a vast number of other activities we either directly or indirectly support, we will continue to promote our wonderful town centre.”
Cllr Vann also encouraged locals to make the effort to support our town centre too.
“If you haven’t visited the town centre recently, then I would highly recommend a short wander through our arcades, up the High Street, down Midland Road, and across to the riverside through the Harpur and Howard Centres to try some of the new businesses on offer,” he said.
