Visitors asked how to boost city centre
CITY councillors went out on the town at the weekend – to find ways of improving Hanley's nightlife.
They were in the city centre into the early hours of Saturday to try to learn why violent crime is rising and the continental cafe culture has not reached Hanley.
It is part of a review of Hanley's so-called night-time economy by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
The councillors attended a police briefing before speaking to theatre-goers, drinkers, taxi marshals and street pastors about a number of issues.
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They wanted to know what people think Stoke-on-Trent has to offer and what they would like to see more of.
The majority of people spoke about the lack of restaurants, fears of violent crime and late-night drinking and parking charges.
Councillor Matt Wilcox, who is leading the review as chairman of the authority's city renewal scrutiny committee, said: "The point of this trip was to try to find out a bit about what the visitors enjoy. During the visit we found that a lot of people had come from outside of the city, but that they are also coming straight in and going straight home.
"But we want to keep people in the city centre and get them spending money."
Mr Wilcox, who is a former DJ, added: "I came out of the nightclub scene about 10 years ago because it was getting a lot harder to get people to stay in the city.
"And I don't think that was specific to Stoke-on-Trent, there was – and still is – a general downward trend and because Stoke-on-Trent is so small, it's suffered.
"In addition to that, it has seen increased competition from places like Newcastle."
It is estimated that 10,000 people used to go to Hanley on Friday and Saturday nights around 10 years ago. But that figure has now dropped to an average of 2,000 visitors.
Councillor Alastair Watson added: "It is a concern that people are visiting the city and then going home straight away.
"We need to do more to introduce things we are lacking such as more live music."
Members of the review group have already pledged to lobby for bars currently allowed to stay open until 4am to have their opening times cut by at least two hours.
New Government powers have given councils the power to restrict the times pubs and clubs can sell alcohol.
The council's decision to carry out a review follows a Sentinel investigation which found more than 500 police incidents were linked to just 10 city centre nightspots in a year. Latest figures show violent crime in Hanley has also risen from 142 incidents between April and June last year to 166 this year.
Amie Pine, aged 25, of Burslem, does not believe crime is putting people off.
She said: "When I was younger I used to go out in Hanley every week. But now I don't really go out there anymore because there's not really anywhere decent that stays open late. If a nice new bar opened I might be tempted.
"I've never felt unsafe in Hanley, because there's always lots of police on the main streets."
Comments
by TalkSense
Wednesday, December 05 2012, 12:16AM
“An evening in Hanley. Hmm, soon to be non-existent bus services and no rail station. No cinema, extra distance to Festival Park. Hanley, a night out, doing what?!”
by TalkSense
Wednesday, December 05 2012, 12:15AM
“An evening in Hanley. Hmm, soon to be non-existent bus services and no rail station. No cinema, extra distance to Festival Park. Hanley, a night out, doing what?!”
by warren-lloyd
Tuesday, December 04 2012, 5:32AM
“How about not getting plastered off head and spending money on other things, like a nice meal or going to a show, or is that to civilized for some utter idiots.”
by jeanettewil78
Monday, December 03 2012, 11:58PM
“10 Years ago Hanley was a different place! There were lots of choice of venues to visit, Yates was always a great place to go, especially on Sunday nights for Karaoke night. We had The Place, Valentinos. What do we see today? Swingers clubs, Casino's and boarded up buildings. Naive is the only word I can use to explain people that think people who live in Manchester and other bigger cities would want to visit Hanley, It has nothing to offer in comparision.
Give people some nice wine bars, lovely restaurants, its not all about going out and getting blind drunk, having a brawl and rolling home! Cater for the those in their 30's, 40's who want something abit more sophisticated!”
by h6777
Monday, December 03 2012, 11:25PM
“I see a lot of people on here commenting on the council. The council round here is corrupt and run by common purpose Marxists.”
by nickgarylown
Monday, December 03 2012, 10:49PM
“"...Sentinel investigation which found more than 500 police incidents were linked to just 10 city centre nightspots in a year. Latest figures show violent crime in Hanley has also risen from 142 incidents between April and June last year to 166 this year."
What are these 500 incidents? What classes as violent crime? Has the severity of these incidents increased over time?
Again The Sentinel presents vague figures which seem to be bent towards the direction they want the story to go. More impartial facts and figures are needed, with detailed explanation. More information please!”
by CptFurious
Monday, December 03 2012, 10:43PM
“Am I reading this right?
The council wants to reduce drinking hours but also wants people to spend more money?
So the council wants people to drink more in a shorter space of time, great idea! Can't possibly see anything going wrong there.”
by MBACJ
Monday, December 03 2012, 9:06PM
“In my opinion, it will always be difficult to attract people from outside the city to Hanley because of how awkward it can be to get there. If you were to come from Crewe, Derby, Manchester etc, you'd get the train and then either have to get a bus which takes about 20mins, or be ripped off in a cab which will charge anywhere between £5-10 each way depending on how the driver is feeling that evening. Why would you bother for an experience that you can replicate in most city centres?
If Stoke City Council want people to come from various areas to spend money, why not turn Stoke town into a hub of entertainment and fine dining. Turn Spode into a restaurant area and turn the Kings Hall into an arena for exhibitions or live music/comedy. It'll give the town a new lease of life once the Council move to Hanley and will make the most of the transport network. Slowly people would spend money in Stoke and it could then increase demand for shops etc.”
by h6777
Monday, December 03 2012, 6:56PM
“I believe the violence with the males is due to sexual frustration. The violence with the females is because they have to go home and have stokie fun times with the local club wielding trog or there fat ******* boss.”
by I_Norris
Monday, December 03 2012, 6:44PM
“Warren you was asked what you base your belief on that a civic centre in Hanley will bring investment, you failed to answer it
gerbstoke adds a few suggestions which the new extension to potteries may include , but which the council and you fail to support.
why hasnt the spode site sold, if investment is all about the civic, that has excellent links to trains and a500, something hanley doesnt.”