Strategic Plans
When it was known that yet another vape shop was due to open on Putney High Street (this time in place of PaperChase) I a resident asked me 'What are we coming to? Well, we've already there - through the steep retail decline of the last few years which is part of the National crisis evident on all high streets. Yet, can we PLEASE have some semblance of cleanliness and tidiness on Putney High street? Urine smells in shop doorways, litter, bin liners full of rubbish, badly designed litter bins on which people stub out their cigarettes and the shabby oxogen tree (does it work?) which now attracts those who like to sit and drink by the hour on the sounding bench. The latest problem of acid graffiti in which the police thanks to an independent shop owner putting his foot down have now shown some interest is a fresh worrying trend. And where is a strategic approach and co-ordinated networking set up by an alert and organised Council? In fact, where ARE our councillors? With January's totally ineffective Save Putney High Street Meeting but a dim memory an urgent rethink of strategies and tactics is required.As to whether our councillors or local agency directors and coordinators live in Wandsworth or further afield is not a great concern but their astonishing lack of presence on Putney High Street is an issue. People who have been appointed to these posts who should be focussed upon how best to serve the community. This requires them to be on the street and in the shops talking to people, listening to opinions and getting to hear local gossip which is often where so much truth can be found. As the situation on the High Street worsens these matters need attention before the onset what looks to be an even more difficult autumn on the High Street is with us.
Miles Thompson ● 705d9 Comments