Lynne McCrossan: City needs to buy into Queen Mary’s scheme

Her recent report to the Government on the state of our high streets highlighted key problems, as well as offering some great solutions.

She touched on the issue of free parking in our out-of-town retail parks, which encourages people to leave city centres.

But more interestingly she spoke of bringing back market days to the high street.

We already know folk in Edinburgh love a market, with the Farmers’ Market and even our German Christmas Market pulling in thousands of punters.

So why not close Princes Street to traffic one day a week and fill the street with stalls?

The decision lies firmly with Edinburgh City Council. But considering the amount of times the street has been closed for tram works over the past few years, I’m thinking a traffic bypass down George Street once a week wouldn’t hurt too much, especially if it meant some serious footfall for the city.

That, coupled with free parking on market days, could be the start of some much needed bridge-building with businesses after the strain of downturn and tram works.

Fashion Insider

Jane Davidson is setting up

a sale pop-up shop for all its

designer duds. The store will be open

for one month in January on William

Street - get there early to pilfer

the best bargains.

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