Angela Crawley MP and Christina McKelvie MSP have this week launched a consultation, asking constituents for their views on what changes are required to regenerate Hamilton’s Town Centre.

The huge survey will be carried out online, face-to-face and by post.

As part of the engagement exercise, a business summit will be held in the Town Centre, giving constituents a further platform to discuss possible solutions.

Both of Hamilton town centre’s Parliamentarians will produce a report at the conclusion of the consultation, making recommendations on what action needs to be taken.

The Hamilton Advertiser recently reported that 45 business units in Hamilton are empty and in need of an occupier.

The online petition can be found here

Commenting, Angela said:

“The town centre is in urgent need of attention. I grew up and have lived in Hamilton my whole life – I remember a vibrant town centre and know the potential it still holds.

“I want the people of Hamilton to have a voice in the town centre’s future. Many of my constituents have already highlighted issues affecting the town centre and decisions that have been taken in the past have clearly not worked.

“I know some of the issues – parking charges are acting as a barrier, business rates are preventing much needed investment and the traffic management system diverts potential customers away from shops.

“But I also recognise that there is a great depth of feeling relating to the deterioration of the town centre; that’s why everyone has to have their say.

“Because if we pull together as a community, make recommendations and take the necessary action, we can revitalise and regenerate our town.

Christina McKelvie MSP added:

“I have represented the people of Hamilton for the last nine years and I have seen and heard the distress about the state of the town centre.

“What we need to have in place is a solid, well thought out and properly researched strategy for the best way forward, rather than trying to do small things that just tinker around the edges.

“South Lanarkshire Council has not taken positive decisions that might have rescued businesses or brought investors into the town. That needs to change.

“This is a real opportunity for all of us to work together for a far better future for Hamilton.”