News

Poole Town Centre will be waving farewell to its first Town Centre Manager at the end of January as Jan Knox leaves her post after an exciting and dynamic 3 years.

Jan joined Poole in May 2000 and has developed some significant successes in the Town. Working with the Town Centre Management Board and Town Centre retailers Jan has launched some successful initiatives such as:

• PARC (Poole Retail Against Crime) - a scheme which unites businesses to deter shop-lifters and reduce violent crime & anti-social behaviour in the Town Centre

• Poole Pub Watch – an initiative in conjunction with Dorset Police, similar to PARC, bringing pubs together to tackle issues such as under-age drinking

• The Arts & Farmers markets - offering local people and visitors the opportunity to view and purchase original arts and a selection of fine local produce

• Town Centre Information Boards - modern and clear information boards for residents and visitors, with a 3D map located strategically around the Town

• www.poole.towntalk.co.uk – a new website that gives visitors, shoppers and local people information about what’s going on in Poole

One of the most high profile projects which has brought festive cheer to the Town Centre was the introduction of a Christmas lighting display. This has been added to annually resulting in a major scheme covering all retail areas of the Town Centre and linked with other Christmas retail promotions it has greatly enhanced the appeal of Poole as a Christmas shopping destination.

Cllr Brian Clements, Leader of Poole Council, said: "Jan has done an excellent job of raising the profile of Poole Town Centre and has worked extremely hard for the benefit of its residents and retailers. Some of the successful initiatives Jan has launched are nationally recognised as best practice and she should be congratulated on some wonderful achievements."

Roger Boyce, Chairman of Poole’s Town Centre Management Board, said: "With the groundwork she has laid in the last three years, Jan has helped us turn our aspirations to reality and she leaves us in very good shape. She departs with our sincere thanks and best wishes for the future.

We hope to have Jan’s successor in place as soon as possible, but in the meantime it’s business as usual as we have a range of projects on-going including our new retail guide which should be published in time for Easter."