[Margaret Pilkington]

I cannot see how the Portas Pilot will change very much in Accrington.

I don't want to pour cold water on the idea, but it isn't going to work.
People only have so much money to spend....and sensibly, they look out for where their money will go the farthest.

To regenerate the town, you have to have something that will draw in people from surrounding areas.......something which isn't available in their own area.

In reality, what has Accrington got to draw in the crowds?

We have crap Market. A Market hall that has no vibrancy(I don't care that it has won an award - I feel that was done by the greasing of palms) and is like a mausoleum most days.
We have an uninspiring Shopping Mall which is approached by a down at heel, peeling Broadway.

On the plus side.....yes, I have to say there is a plus side.......The Town Hall is an imposing building, as is the Market Hall, but then so many other towns have similar buildings.......the parking is free.
As for seeing the new bus station as a draw to people....it is akin to the free parking.......there has to be something here to bring the people in their cars(to use the free car parks and the swanky new bus station) and sadly, it is there that I think Accrington fails.

People will still take their money to Retail Parks, or shop on the 'net' because that is where they feel they can get value, for the money they have.