Last week we had the opportunity to spend some time with the new Town Centre Manager, Dennis Hannant who has now been in post for two months.
He told us of his impressions of town centre trading conditions and the general mood and outlook of local traders, mentioning that Spalding had a great deal going for it with its historic buildings and landmarks.
He is trying hard to meet as many local traders as possible in his first few months whilst at the same time planning new events within Spalding to help reinvigorate the town and provide the opportunity for new visitors to come and enjoy what we have to offer.
He outlined plans for all the traditional summer events that already have a place in the public timetable as well as new events such as the 40s weekend that Ayscoughfee Hall is planning this year to commemorate the anniversary of the end of WW2 and give all of us a chance to reflect upon the sacrifices and professionalism of our Armed Forces over the years.
Also on the timetable this year is a national cycling event as well as the resurrection of a South Holland Food Festival slated to take place in late August or early September.
He is very upbeat about plans to attract new custom to Spalding but was also very honest about what we all need to do to help make Spalding an attractive destination, highlighting litter as an example of what lets us all down.
He’s looking to formalise a group of volunteer litter pickers to help keep the town clean and already he has names of several people willing to help.
We have always enjoyed a close working relationship with anything that Dennis has done in the past, prior to his appointment and look forward to continuing to work with him.
If you would like to listen to Dennis’s interview go onto our website www.tulip-radio.co.uk and listen to him on our podcast section.
by Jan Whitbourn of Tulip Radio
