Regeneration loan welcomed

Sir - Bravo, Rotherham Borough Council for the bold and imaginative move to facilitate the loan for Chris Hamby (Advertiser, September 16) to redevelop the High Street.

This is another example where Businesses want to turn this beautiful town centre into its former glory.

The emergence of town centre business group ACT for Rotherham two years ago saw businesses taking the lead and working with other partners to improve the whole town, not just their own backyard.

Chris Hamby has boldly taken the whole concept one step further and intends to put the High Street back on the map!

With the current state of the economy it is hard for any business to secure finance and the council should be applauded for guaranteeing the loan.

It doesn't cost the taxpayer a penny but it will enable Chris to proceed with his plans for the High Street.

I hope this is the first of many groundbreaking examples of the council enabling Businesses to make a significant impact to the regeneration of our town.

The arrival of the Source, the recent opening of Caprice on High Street, the major development of SNAFU, the investment in the Pin Mei Chinese restaurant plus the soon to start renovation of Essoldo Chambers just across the road from the High Street are all indications that things are certainly looking up in Rotherham Town Centre.

Brij Chaggar, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce.