Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage supported the campaign to regenerate local high streets in a debate in the House of Commons today.
In the wake of the Portas review into the future of high streets, she has called for Gosport to be selected as a pilot town to test the recommendations.
In a hard hitting speech, Caroline cited the number of empty shops in Gosport, reserving particular criticism for the Post Office in Gosport town centre being allowed to fall into a state of disrepair. She lamented its “state of permanent refurbishment, making it more akin to a builder’s site than a fully functional retail environment.”
During the debate, Caroline praised the success of the shops in Stubbington village centre despite difficult trading conditions, but condemned the “crazy idea” of the proposed introduction of parking charges.
Caroline’s call for economic regeneration for the area continues her work to promote Gosport as an excellent place to do business and comes off the back of the successful Enterprise Zone and Regional Growth Fund bids.