Oliver has urged local government agencies to make serious improvements to Potters Bar’s high streets in order help struggling local businesses.
The call came following a meeting last month with Hertfordshire’s Local Enterprise Partnership, the local government agency responsible for economic development within the County.
Oliver said: ‘I know that many people are concerned by the decline of the High Street and Darkes Lane in Potters Bar. It is a concern that I share.
‘I know that there are real problems around business rates, commercial rents and the availability of office space for local companies. I am lobbying both the Government and the Borough Council, with some success, to take action to address these problems.
‘However, I also think we need a broader approach. That’s why last month I set up a meeting with the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the government body responsible for economic development in the county. I raised the problems faced by Potters Bar and urged them to use the resources at their disposal to help the town.’
Oliver focussed on previous examples where the LEP had been able to provide much needed economic and financial support to other smaller towns in Hertfordshire.
Speaking later he said: ‘We discussed how in other areas of the county the LEP has worked with local businesses and councils to improve local high streets. Projects have included new parking spaces, improving footpaths, increasing pedestrianisation to create greater footfall past local shops, and improving public facilities on the high street.
‘I stressed that we need similar work to help revitalise Potters Bar. Hertfordshire has a £44 million Growth Deal that has been that has been specially set aside for the county’s smaller settlements. Following my meeting with them, they agreed to look at how this could be used to support Potters Bar.
‘Any work will clearly have to be done in conjunction with both the LEP and the Borough Council. I will work over the coming months and years to help put these ideas into practice so that our local businesses are given the backing they need to thrive.’
