LIKE MANY OTHER people, I was pleased to see the reopening of the New Chester Market last week, following the serious incident that occurred in one of the empty retail units at the end of March. I’d like to repeat my appreciation to the emergency services for their prompt response and offer my sincere good wishes to the three men injured in the accident, and their families, as they continue their recovery. I know it was a tough time for those who run and trade in the market too – it’s great to see them back in business.
Over the coming weeks, it’s predicted the market will reach 1,000,000 customers since opening in November. The closure has been big news in Chester, partly due to the seriousness of the incident, but also because of the market’s popularity locally and its appeal to those visiting the city. While it was closed, it was much missed.
It shows how important the market is to Cestrians. Indeed, the high street and city centre are important aspects of our lives as Chester residents. It’s where many of us shop, go out for food and drinks, meet with friends and family, and it’s where a lot of people work. Alongside the wonderful heritage, our high street is one of the biggest draws for people who come to visit our city, so much so it was voted as the second-best high street in the UK by readers of a national newspaper.
Nevertheless, across the country, the British High Street has suffered as big chains have collapsed over recent years. Chester has not been immune to this with closures from Debenhams, BHS and Topshop.
Labour recently launched its plan to revitalise our high streets. The Party’s plan addresses the causes of store closures with a series of important policies, including supporting high street businesses to cut their energy bills with a £700m investment in energy efficiency measures, such as insulation and heat pumps.
A future Labour government would also cut business rates for small businesses. Data from the Valuation Office Agency suggests the move would be worth more than £2,600 to the average pub, café or restaurant – a large makeup of Chester’s city centre businesses.
Chester has a great High Street with traders who’ve shown considerable resilience during difficult times. As the local Member of Parliament, I want to see them, and residents, supported so our local economy goes from strength to strength.