Bluebird Vintage is very excited to be a part of Halesworth's bid to become a Portas Pilot Town.
Here is Halesworth Town Centre Group's press release regarding the bid:
"Halesworth Town Centre Group is leading a bid for Halesworth to become one of the country’s 12 ‘Portas Pilot Towns’, which will each receive up to £100,000 to invest in the regeneration of their high streets, as well as support from the government and Mary Portas herself.
Mary Portas was asked by the Prime Minister to conduct an independent review of Britain’s high streets which resulted in many recommendations by the retail guru as to what needs to be done to improve our struggling high streets. Following on from her report, the government and Mary Portas launched the ‘Portas Pilot Town’ scheme, which will enable 12 towns and cities across the country to share £1million to breathe new life into their high streets, and road test many of Mary’s recommendations.
Halesworth Town Centre Group, which is made up of local traders and retailers, heard about the scheme and immediately knew that the town has what it takes to become a fantastic applicant, and has been inundated with ideas of how the money could be spent.
Laura Churchill, owner of Bluebird Vintage says “Halesworth is a unique market town, with a wealth of independent shops and services, and is unusual in that no big chain dominates our high street. We have a thriving arts scene and Halesworth is home to the New Cut Arts, High Tide Festival, Halesworth Arts Festival and Gig in the Park. We have great potential to become a real ‘destination’ location for shoppers and visitors, and want to ensure Halesworth is known for its personal service, choice, local produce and quality. I have had very positive feedback from customers and other traders who would love to see Halesworth successful in its application to receive such an investment. We have had some really innovative and exciting ideas submitted for our application.”
Towns must demonstrate a high level of commitment to the bid and local MP Therese Coffey has already given her backing, alongside Halesworth Town Council, Halesworth and Blyth Valley Partnership, the Town Centre Group and 15 other local groups and organisations. James Wagner, Chair of Halesworth Town Council says “there is enthusiastic support for this application and Halesworth has much to commend itself to a Portas Pilot Town. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain from our application and I would be proud to see our Town linking up with Mary Portas”.
Ezra Leverett, Chairman of Halesworth & Blyth Valley Partnership said “we in Halesworth have a proven track record for delivering community projects and this application is one that the whole community could and would support. We want to see our town flourish and be THE Town to visit if you want variety of shops, good food, history and culture.”
Towns must submit an application form, and also a short YouTube video illustrating its ideas and vision for their town. Halesworth Town Centre Group wishes to encourage anyone who would like to get involved to please submit all ideas, letters of support or offers of help to contact Ezra Leverett at s.leverett@btinternet.com.
PUBLIC MEETING TUES 27 MARCH at 6PM, THE CUT, HALESWORTH...
We have organised a public meeting on Tuesday 27 March at 6pm at The Cut, Halesworth, IP19 8BY and wish to encourage everyone (locals/traders/businesses) to attend to learn more about the scheme, and Halesworth's bid - and voice your opinions on how you would like to see money spent on the town. It is your opportunity to show your support, and ensure Halesworth has the strongest chance of winning.
For more information or to get involved in the bid please contact Laura at Bluebird Vintage and support the campaign by joining our Facebook page and following us on Twitter, help us spread the word!
PLEASE JOIN US AND SHOW HALESWORTH YOU CARE!
YOUR TOWN NEEDS YOU!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 7:23PM 
