I used the time for public questions at Tuesday’s meeting of Bassetlaw DC’s Cabinet to ask if there were any plans being prepared to regenerate Hardy Street after the new Bus Station opens next year.

Sadly, but unsurprisingly, Cllr Simon Greaves seemed to have no idea that the area might need a regeneration plan after the buses stop stopping there.  I have spoken with some of the businesses on Hardy Street and they are rightly worried about the affect of moving the Bus Station, and the resultant drop in the number of people visiting the street, will have on them. Between them, they had a number of ideas about possible developments (short-stay parking; extension of the market area; special events in the town centre) that could be made in the area.

The Council should be taking a positive attitude to the area and already be planning for its future and not waiting until the shops on Hardy Street close and we get another blighted area so near the town centre.