Milton Keynes’ struggling to bounce back with figures showing that the city centre and high streets are in the bottom 10 for footfall recovery in the country.
The data released by Centre4Cities indicates Milton Keynes is falling behind its neighbouring towns and cities in terms of its economic recovery and states that shoppers in MK are amongst the lowest 20 locations in the country for spending output.
Businesses are now facing a blow where shoppers are returning in fewer numbers and spending less money than before.
This comes as the Labour-Liberal Democrat coalition in control of MK Council are set to confirm £1.5 million for economic projects as part of their Economic Recovery Plan at a meeting of MK Council’s Cabinet on July 13.
With the new statistics regarding shopping habits in MK, Conservatives are calling for more 'action' from the coalition and called for the implementation of free parking at CMK, they said: “more must be done to save MK’s high streets and city centre so that we can create jobs and boost business.”
The Conservatives say that the Government has played its part with over £200m of funding to support MK’s economy but now the council must deliver a more "ambitious programme" that champions local businesses and takes advantage of MK’s reputation as an outward looking and innovative city.
Councillor Alex Walker, Leader of the Conservative Council Group, said: “Milton Keynes is home to much loved high streets and city centre – it is essential that the businesses that underpin them are provided the support and the environment by MK Council to succeed and flourish now and when restrictions end."
