Letter: Barnsley shows Chesterfield how a thriving town centre can be created

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Last Friday, I had a most pleasant surprise. I visited Barnsley.

What a contrast compared with Chesterfield. It was absolutely bustling, just like Chesterfield used to be years ago. There was an indoor market which has recently been revamped (and which is open six days a week). No empty stalls and the traders were doing a roaring trade and also there was a “stall type” market where again trade was brisk. The town centre was the same with no boarded-up shops or down-and-outs to be seen I would like to suggest that a visit to Barnsley, to see what they are doing right, might be a good idea for Chesterfield borough councillors, and indeed anyone else who would like a very pleasant day out. It is easy to get to up the motorway and there is an hourly bus service (X17) which offers a most pleasant ride for just £2 single Folks in Barnsley must do internet shopping and visit out-of-town retail parks, so what attracts them to the town centre? 1. There is an excellent transport interchange (bus/rail) which Chesterfield missed out on years ago 2. Plenty of (relatively) cheap town centre parking 3. There is no nearby retail park where if you park and go shopping there you are fined if you then decide to have a walk up to the town centre 4. Fairly cheap rents for shops and market stalls It is such a shame to see Chesterfield town centre so run down and empty, but Barnsley certainly shows what can be achieved.

Neville Whitmore North Wingfield

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