DUNSTABLE were desperate from a helping hand from the Government’s Portas Pilot scheme but were ultimately unsuccessful in their bid, while Luton received a similar grant without applying.
Luton Borough Council received £100,000 from the High Street Innovations Fund, which is similar to – but independent of – the Portas scheme.
Councillor Nigel Young told the Gazette that when he asked Luton Borough Council what the money was for, they were initially unable to answer.
Mr Young quizzed Minister for Housing and Local Government Grant Shapps about Luton’s grant. He said: “Mr Shapps told us Luton were allocated the money based on a non-domestic rates survey conducted in – I think – 2008.
“They decided that Luton was a deprived area so they would give them money. They analysed Central Bedfordshire as a whole and decided in was not deprived.
“In Dunstable, we have three of the most deprived areas in the country in Parkside, Tithe Farm and Downside.
“I will be meeting with Grant Shapps in early September to discuss these issues in more detail.”
Nearby Bedford were successful in their Portas bid, and now have a scheme where businesses pay into a fund to maintain the town centre.
Mr Young said: “Bedford have a great system, but their town centre is much more prosperous than our own. The Portas Pilot scheme would have been the kick start we needed.”
Dunstable are still in the running to receive money from the Portas scheme, as a new wave of successful applicants will be announced at the end of July.
Mr Young added: “I am not lacking confidence in our bid, but Dunstable High Street is on the up. People need to stop knocking it.”
Mr Young’s sentiments are echoed by the recent letting of three shops within 100 yards of each other in High Street South.
It is also believed that a deal for a consortium to purchase the former home of Moore’s department store in High Street South from commercial retail agency Alexander & Co has been finalised.
John McDougal of Alexander & Co said: “It is very encouraging that new occupiers are opening on the High Street and that this activity will give others the confidence to move into the town.
“We have good interest from a number of other retailers so hope to announce more openings soon”