Final night-time economy sessions to be held

Councillors are preparing to hear evidence at the final two sessions of a comprehensive review into the City Centre's night-time economy.

The review was set up by Stoke-on-Trent City Council with the aim of tackling the reasons for the reduction in the number of people using the City Centre at night.

So far three public evidence sessions have taken place which have seen businesses, licencees and

representatives from the emergency services give their views on ways to

strengthen the night-time economy.

The final two sessions take place on Friday, February 15 and Wednesday, February 20 and the task and finish group carrying out the review are keen for users of the City Centre at night to come along and hear the evidence.

On Friday, the penultimate session will hear from Staffordshire's Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis, representatives from drug and alcohol services and a street pastor.

And the five-part review will wrap up on Wednesday where speakers are expected to include representatives from taxi operators, a talk on the Purple Flag scheme which recognises excellence in the management of town and city centres and a feature on the night-time economy in Burslem.

Councillor Matt Wilcox, chairman of the task and finish group of seven councillors looking into the night-time economy, said: "The review was set up to make sure our City Centre is a thriving and popular place to visit, where people feel safe and businesses can prosper.

"The three sessions we have held so far have been very interesting and have given us plenty of views on what is currently on offer and what people would like to see changed or introduced.

"It's important we get lots of views before the sessions come to an end so we have the clearest picture possible in terms of moving forward and looking at what can be improved."

The review has already seen councillors join police patrols on the streets of the City Centre at night.

Some of the initial findings from the sessions so far include:

Late night pubs and clubs mainly attract people under 25; Most people visiting entertainment venues such as the Regent Theatre and Victoria

Hall tend not stay for a meal and drink due to a lack of chain restaurants/bars and traditional pubs near to the venues;

Concerns over getting home from the City Centre late at night and a lack of quality, safe and accessible car parking;

Planned developments such as City Sentral, part of the council's Mandate for Change, will increase footfall in the City Centre and encourage growth in the night-time economy.

Once the sessions are over, the task group will review all of the evidence and draw up a series of recommendations, which will be presented to a public council meeting at a later date. If approved, cabinet and relevant organisations will be asked to respond to the recommendations.

Once

the sessions are over, the task group will review all of the evidence and draw

up a series of recommendations, which will be presented to a public council

meeting at a later date. If approved, cabinet and relevant organisations will

be asked to respond to the recommendations.