IT appears that the main problem that prevents the council from redeveloping the town centre is the private ownership of landlords that refuse to invest.


So I can see that it would be better to invest or regenerate parts of the town that the council does own.


As reported in the Star, by 2020 there will be a budget cut of a further £20 million on council funding and as such, regeneration now should be the priority. Perhaps the best route is to encourage start up businesses, as banks apparently, are making it much easier for start ups to secure funding.


Any investment that creates jobs will be beneficial, alongside Helena building more homes (construction jobs and associated firms) will bring more people into the area looking for affordable homes. More people means more money into the local economy.


Mike, via sthelensstar.co.uk