Rugby Lib Dem Councillors call for Green Plaque Scheme to rediscover Rugby town centre

Rugby Liberal Democrat Councillors Neil Sandison (Eastlands) and Marion Nash (Rokeby and Overslade) have asked Rugby Borough Council to introduce a Green Plaque Scheme of heritage sites to identify more places of interest in the town centre and celebrate Rugby's considerable heritage in a bid to attract more people to the town and help businesses stay open.

A motion was tabled to the full Council on Tuesday 19 July 2016, which has now been referred to a Scrutiny Committee to be looked into in more detail.

Commenting, Cllr Marion Nash, said:

"Many residents have commented on how empty Rugby town centre is and that shops are disappearing even in the independent quarter at an increasingly rapid rate. Part of the problem is online shopping and out of town retail stores, but it is also a partly due to Rugby unlike our neighbours taking full advantage of historic Rugby as a visitor destination.

"Rugby Lib Dems welcome the World Rugby Hall of Fame to be located at home of the game, which we are sure will attract many visitors, but Rugby is more than just a game and has a thousand years of heritage."

Commenting, Cllr Neil Sandison, said:

"Green Plaque Schemes are tried and tested and delivered by other councils. Residents can vote for where they feel a green plaque should be erected because of a persons' or buildings' heritage connection to the town and it provides the visitor with information as they explore our town centre.

"The scheme is a win-win situation for the town. It would encourage more footfall beyond The Rugby Art Gallery and Museum where the Hall of Fame is to be located and into the town centre, providing more customers for local shops which will help them to stay open and attract new business. We have already received a lot of support for our proposal from local retailers, organisations and businesses. It really is time to rediscover Rugby."

NOTES TO EDITORS

Motion to Council: "This Council welcomes and celebrates the rich and diverse heritage and culture offered by Rugby Town Centre which currently attracts some 80,000 visitors to the borough each year. Furthermore this Council wants to see that heritage enhanced by the provision of a green plaque scheme together with improved interpretation boards at sites of interest. These measures will enable visitors to more fully enjoy the Rugby experience. The footfall through the town centre will increase and aid our local economy."

Photo attached: Cllr Marion Nash and Cllr Neil Sandison outside The Squirrel Pub in Rugby, which is the longest continuous licenced house in Warwickshire and it is where Thomas Caldecott as Lord of the Manor of Rugby gave licence to the pub, market and stables on this site.