Bishop Auckland may lose its Town Centre Manager, after Durham County Council announced that a 90 day consultation period would be held to determine the necessity of the position.
The role is currently filled by Steve McCormick, who has carried out the unique job for the past three and a half years. Bishop is the only town in the area to have a Town Centre Manager, having been created ten years ago by Wear Valley District Council.
Local businesswoman Bernedette Rush, who owns Lady B Wear in the Four Clocks Quarter, has called for her fellow business owners to support Steve by letting Durham County Council know of their dis- approval of plans to abolish the title.
She said, “Steve is very supportive and proactive in supporting the town
businesses. “Part of the Town Centre Manager’sjobistopromote the town for businesses to invest in, keeping it fresh in the news and arranging local events – all to attract visitors to the town and increase the footfall, and therefore trade.
“Bishop Auckland has one of the largest retail areas in DCC, which is spread over many areas. The Town Centre Manger ensures all areas pull together as a community with pride. “The role is a very important cog in the wheel. Without this cog and his hands-on approach, Bishop Auckland would become just another town on the map and I could see it slipping backwards. “Why should we lose our hands-on support? The savings DCC would make removing this position will never outweigh the loss of support to the town.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
