Civic business chief ‘broke his promise’

FURIOUS traders have vowed to boycott a meeting organised by civic business chief, Councillor Shoab Akhtar, after accusing him of breaking his promise to them.

A cry for council help from 27 businesses in Yorkshire Street, Union Street, George Street and High Street in the Chronicle in May prompted a pledge from Councillor Akhtar to visit all the shop owners.

Three weeks on, some traders say he has reneged on the deal. Instead of visiting them individually as he promised, Councillor Akhtar has invited them all to a group meeting at the council offices today.

Alan Hopkinson, owner of the Open Fire Centre in Yorkshire Street said it seemed the pledge was nothing more than a “political soundbite”.

He said: “Councillor Akhtar made a pledge in the Chronicle that in the next few days he would visit every one of the 27 signatories personally to discuss their worries and concerns. I was very impressed with his offer. I think both parties would have gained something, but he has not honoured it.

“Instead he’s gone for the easy option of making all of us come to him at a time that suits him — which isn’t really convenient to most of us who have businesses to run.”

Councillor Akhtar has denied going back on his word.

“The meeting was never intended to replace my face-to-face contact with traders. The idea was to get as many of the town-centre businesses as possible in one room so that they can share issues with us — and among themselves — to help find solutions.

“Officers have been contacting traders on my behalf to arrange this meeting and many have confirmed that they will attend. Some have also indicated that they cannot attend or that they wish instead to meet me for a one-to-one. This is absolutely fine and I will be personally visiting businesses this week.”


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