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    Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

    Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

    Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

    Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

    Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

    Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

    Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

    Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

    Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

    Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

    System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

    System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

    NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

    NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

    Scottish Labour MP to vote against welfare reforms despite Keir Starmer climbdown

    Scottish Labour MP to vote against welfare reforms despite Keir Starmer climbdown

    Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

    Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

    Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

    Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

    Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

    Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

    How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

    How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

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      Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

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      What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

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      Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

      Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

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      Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

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      Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

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      Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

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      Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

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      Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

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      Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

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      Exact cost of Rangers injury crisis revealed as payments to crocked stars double that of Celtic

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      Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an ‘incredible person’

      Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

      Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

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      Ange Postecoglou to LAFC has direct Celtic link as MLS heavy hitters plot ambitious manager move

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      The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

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        Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

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        Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

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        Lego Game Boy unveiled with pre-orders now live – but some point out ‘disappointing’ flaw

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        Panasonic dishes out £100 takeaway vouchers and 15% off ‘first class’ OLED TVs

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        ‘Classy’ smartwatch that ‘performs as well as expensive brands’ now £50 in Amazon Prime deal

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        Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

        Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

        Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

        Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

        ‘I used old-fashioned method to lose 4stone after microwave incident’

        ‘I used old-fashioned method to lose 4stone after microwave incident’

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        Donald Trump medical condition diagnosed as US President suffers swollen legs

        Clinical microbiologist issues warning over hidden ‘droppings’ in bed sheets

        Clinical microbiologist issues warning over hidden ‘droppings’ in bed sheets

      • Entertainment
        Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

        Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

        Tesco shoppers ‘run’ to stores for ‘gorgeous’ £29.50 cardigan

        Tesco shoppers ‘run’ to stores for ‘gorgeous’ £29.50 cardigan

        Former DWP employee urges all parents to claim Child Benefit to boost State Pension payments

        Former DWP employee urges all parents to claim Child Benefit to boost State Pension payments

        DWP boss defends welfare reform changes after PIP plans put on hold

        DWP boss defends welfare reform changes after PIP plans put on hold

        People on highest PIP could see payments rise to nearly £800 each month from next April

        People on highest PIP could see payments rise to nearly £800 each month from next April

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        Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

        Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

        Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

        Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

        Fury as Welsh Government rejects recommended 4.8% pay rise for teachers

        Fury as Welsh Government rejects recommended 4.8% pay rise for teachers

        Vocational skills to be offered at new secondary school in Swansea

        Vocational skills to be offered at new secondary school in Swansea

        Lecturer struck off after falling asleep, playing on his phone and describing students as ‘d*** heads’

        Lecturer struck off after falling asleep, playing on his phone and describing students as ‘d*** heads’

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        Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

        Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

        Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

        Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

        Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

        Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

        Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

        Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

        Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

        Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

        System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

        System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

        NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

        NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

        Scottish Labour MP to vote against welfare reforms despite Keir Starmer climbdown

        Scottish Labour MP to vote against welfare reforms despite Keir Starmer climbdown

        Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

        Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

        Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

        Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

        Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

        Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

        How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

        How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

        Trending Tags

        • Business

          Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

        • Sports
          Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

          Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

          Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

          Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

          Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

          Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

          Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

          Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

          Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

          Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

          Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

          Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

          Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

          Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

          Exact cost of Rangers injury crisis revealed as payments to crocked stars double that of Celtic

          Exact cost of Rangers injury crisis revealed as payments to crocked stars double that of Celtic

          Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an ‘incredible person’

          Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an ‘incredible person’

          Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

          Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

          Ange Postecoglou to LAFC has direct Celtic link as MLS heavy hitters plot ambitious manager move

          Ange Postecoglou to LAFC has direct Celtic link as MLS heavy hitters plot ambitious manager move

          The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

          The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

          Trending Tags

          • Technology
            Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

            Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

            Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

            Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

            Lego Game Boy unveiled with pre-orders now live – but some point out ‘disappointing’ flaw

            Lego Game Boy unveiled with pre-orders now live – but some point out ‘disappointing’ flaw

            Panasonic dishes out £100 takeaway vouchers and 15% off ‘first class’ OLED TVs

            Panasonic dishes out £100 takeaway vouchers and 15% off ‘first class’ OLED TVs

            ‘Classy’ smartwatch that ‘performs as well as expensive brands’ now £50 in Amazon Prime deal

            ‘Classy’ smartwatch that ‘performs as well as expensive brands’ now £50 in Amazon Prime deal

          • Health
            Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

            Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

            Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

            Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

            ‘I used old-fashioned method to lose 4stone after microwave incident’

            ‘I used old-fashioned method to lose 4stone after microwave incident’

            Donald Trump medical condition diagnosed as US President suffers swollen legs

            Donald Trump medical condition diagnosed as US President suffers swollen legs

            Clinical microbiologist issues warning over hidden ‘droppings’ in bed sheets

            Clinical microbiologist issues warning over hidden ‘droppings’ in bed sheets

          • Entertainment
            Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

            Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

            Tesco shoppers ‘run’ to stores for ‘gorgeous’ £29.50 cardigan

            Tesco shoppers ‘run’ to stores for ‘gorgeous’ £29.50 cardigan

            Former DWP employee urges all parents to claim Child Benefit to boost State Pension payments

            Former DWP employee urges all parents to claim Child Benefit to boost State Pension payments

            DWP boss defends welfare reform changes after PIP plans put on hold

            DWP boss defends welfare reform changes after PIP plans put on hold

            People on highest PIP could see payments rise to nearly £800 each month from next April

            People on highest PIP could see payments rise to nearly £800 each month from next April

          • Life Style
          • Travel
          • Education
            Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

            Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

            Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

            Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

            Fury as Welsh Government rejects recommended 4.8% pay rise for teachers

            Fury as Welsh Government rejects recommended 4.8% pay rise for teachers

            Vocational skills to be offered at new secondary school in Swansea

            Vocational skills to be offered at new secondary school in Swansea

            Lecturer struck off after falling asleep, playing on his phone and describing students as ‘d*** heads’

            Lecturer struck off after falling asleep, playing on his phone and describing students as ‘d*** heads’

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          Welsh towns need to be at the heart of economic revival

          by Albert K. Martin
          May 1, 2022
          in Opinion
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          With the local authority elections taking place in Wales next week, a number of lobbying and membership organisations have produced a range of policy papers over the last few months highlighting some of the key issues that councils could tackle when they are re-elected.

          One of the most relevant of these is the report from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), entitled a Vision for Welsh Towns, which has examined the main challenges, issues and opportunities for town centres across Wales.

          Given the diversity of town centres, there is unlikely to be one simple solution to the issues raised in the report. Nevertheless, the study should give food for thought not only to local authorities on the way forward for towns across Wales but also to other key stakeholders including the Welsh Government, the UK Government and private business.

          So what do the public in Wales think about the state of their towns? Unfortunately, the research shows that two thirds of those interviewed described their town centre or high street as bleak or bad with only 3% stating that it was ‘thriving’.

          Whilst a variety of recent studies have shown that the public have tended to use local shops more during the pandemic, the FSB study paints a very different picture with nearly half of those questioned stating that their use of the high street had declined in the last two years and only one in ten having increased their use over the same period. In fact, 57% stated they had increased their use of online shopping during the pandemic.

          Perhaps the one silver lining from interviewing the public about this current situation is that they ranked ‘thriving and small independent shops’ as their highest priority for the future of their town centres.

          But what is the view of those independent businesses based in town centres on their current situation, especially with two thirds experiencing reduced consumer demand or cancellations recently?

          Given the dependence on local shoppers, a clear majority interviewed stated that the lack of accessible car parking was a barrier to success in town centres, a situation exacerbated by parking at out of town shopping centres being free. Of course, those in government will point to official studies that suggest that there is little relationship between car parking charges and footfall, yet it is noticeable that both shoppers and businesses in this survey suggest otherwise.

          In fact, with suggestions that car parks are merely being used to generate revenue for general spending within local authorities, there seems to be little proper understanding of the short term challenges that, as this study has shown, have been faced by many businesses during the pandemic and in its immediate aftermath.

          The owners of shops and town centre premises also believed that business rates were an unfair charge that was hindering their future viability. Although there have been calls for town centres in need of regeneration to be classed as renewal zones with zero business rates, there is little evidence that such an innovative policy is under consideration by policymakers here in Wales.

          But perhaps what is most important in terms of regenerating our town centres is clear and coherent leadership that actually takes action to change the current dire situation that many of our town centres find themselves in.

          According to the study, there was little confidence in politicians and policymakers in changing this with only a third stating that their local business had been supported during the pandemic and with as little as 12% being happy with the progress taken to improve their own centres.

          To date that leadership has been sadly missing despite many of the problems above having been identified years ago and whilst there are examples of town improvements across Wales, they have largely failed to engender a real transformative experience to many high streets up and down the country.

          As the FSB rightly suggest, City and Growth Deals across Wales must prioritise town centres to strengthen their regions and the new Shared Prosperity Fund could and should be employed to support this objective and help to level up across Wales.

          With only three Welsh cities, our town centres form the heart of the majority of communities across the nation. Yet as this report shows, there remain many challenges in ensuring that the FSB’s vision of town centres with a vibrant small and independent retail offer, having high streets that are ready for a digital age and spaces that people feel safe in and enjoy actually become real.

          There also seems to be little progress in ensuring increased resilience and activity throughout the year, sustained levels of increased footfall and the development of unique cultural and creative footprints in towns across Wales.

          Once these elections are over, these issues need to be a priority for local councillors as having a strong economic base within our town centres will be vital in ensuring that secure good local jobs are created and, more importantly, cohesive communities are developed that make a real difference to the wealth and health of citizens across Wales.

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