Minutes

Councillor William Routley asked:

Good morning Council leader ,

During a recent debate you will remember that I asked the question regarding the coming together of Traders, market traders interested parties & members of the city council on a cross party basis to develop a strategy to regenerate the high street /market quarter area of Newport , against the background of bad financial Returns produced by Debenhams plc and warned of the danger of placing in all eggs in one basket . You assured myself that all things were under control and the direction proposed by myself was not required.

Can you please confirm today that every effort is being made by yourself and your administration to retain and assist Debenhams Store regarding their prominent position within Friars Walk.

The Leader and Councillor Jane Mudd responded:

I can assure Councillor Routley that the Council continues to work with a number of organisations and businesses across the city, via a number of partnership arrangements, such as the Newport Economic Network and Business Improvement District; these groups are integral to the next phases of development within the city centre.   In relation to Debenhams, the Council has not received any advice to date that this store would be affected by the recent news, however, I have asked officers to continue to liaise with the owners of Friars Walk and to monitor the situation.