Milngavie town centre has ‘recovered significantly’

Councillor Jim Gibbons (SNP Milngavie) told the Herald last week the village precinct has proved to be a great draw not just because of the retail outlets on offer but because of its great asset as a social centre.

He was speaking after footfall in town centres in East Dunbartonshire was discussed at a recent meeting of the local authority.

Bearsden, Bishopbriggs, Kirkintilloch and Milngavie town centre all saw an extensive reduction during national lockdown.

Councillor Gibbons said that by July, Milngavie was the only town centre of the four which had seen a significant recovery.

He added: “I was pleased to see the return to some sort of normality in Milngavie.

“The precinct’s open space has proved to be a great draw as well as the collection of small and medium-sized retailers and hospitality.

“It also has the advantage of being in the Business Improvement District (BID) which has played a key part in the recent shop local initiative promoted by the Scottish Government.

“There has also been funding for improved digital services. Milngavie town centre is not just about retail and the start of the West Highland, but is a great social centre where people come to meet – socially distanced of course. I hope this trend continues.”