Issue - meetings

James Lafferty presented a report on Behalf of Mary Dott who had tendered her apologies -  report attached

Town Centre Performance:

·         Most businesses experienced a downturn in trade over the Spring and Summer season.

·         TIC experienced nearly 40% decrease in visitors - construction

Shop Update

·         Two shops which became vacant this year have now been re-let

·         Two change of use planning applications on Longrow have been approved and these will be put back into use

·         Refurbishment of The Courier Centre nearing completion

·         A business on Longrow which was for sale is in the process of changing hands

·         TCM has reached agreement with owners of two other vacant premises to allow temporary use of windows for display purposes

·         Contacted local schools, groups (Crafters), Xmas Lights Committee etc

·         Bargain Store on Main Street is re-opening  beginning of November for Christmas period

·         Appearance – fronts of vacant shops were washed down by work experience person from Employability who also carried out some other freshening-up work around town

Training

Two well received training workshops took place this week in conjunction with Business Gateway:

·     Build your own business website

·     An introduction to social media

Visual Merchandising and Window Display workshop booked to take place in January.

Fingerpost Scheme

Gordon Bennie of Argyll Signs has been commissioned to make the necessary amendments and repairs to the existing Fingerpost Signage scheme.  GB erected the initial scheme