Traders Show Little Interest in Town Plans
The changes proposed in the Northamptonshire County Council's plan for redeveloping the centre—the High Street—of Rushden can hardly be described as sweeping, but one would have thought that traders would have been vitally interested. Apparently the vast majority could cot care less. The current edition of the Rushden, Higham Ferrers and District Chamber of Trade's news bulletin reveals that only five per cent of the total number of firms circulated on this issue bothered to reply.

Before discussing the implications and possible recommendation on the county scheme, Rushden Urban Council decided to ask local traders for their views.

A sensible suggestion, but judging from the traders' response, almost a complete waste of time.

However, the Chamber of Trade is determined to get the views of the traders in the central area. After the poor response of the first letter the committee has decided to send another letter to the traders.

The letter will ask if the trader agrees with the redevelopment proposals and for general views and suggestions.

In his first message as president Mr J W Brown calls for members of Rushden Urban Council to make themselves unpopular with Whitehall until new industry can be introduced into Rushden.

Commenting on trade in general Mr Brown said since the wages and prices freeze businesses have been hard put to maintain turnover, let alone increase it.

"This is evident by the number of shop properties, both old and modern, that are empty in the town." he adds.

"One solution would be to lower rents, together with shorter leases, for specialised trades which are not already established in the town.

However Mr. Brown thought these would be short term remedies.

"I am convinced that the long term solution is to introduce new types of industry into the town, and I would say it is up to our elected representatives on the council to make themselves as unpopular with the powers that be in Whitehall until they achieve this result,

"After all, our staple industry, so to speak, the boot and shoe industry, has been in the doldrums now for over a year."

Mr. Brown adds that contrary to optimistic reports most factories were on a four day week.

"Is it right that these workers should be denied the choice of another job offering a full weeks work?" he asked.