Michael Hestletine, when being interviewed on BBC 4 about economic development was his usual blase self. Trying to justify the abolition of Regional Development Agencies and it's much reduced replacement with Local Economic Partnerships. His explanation was paper thin. It's just a rehash of the same old tired Tory policies. Lots of hot air and no action. However he did mention the improvement to City Centres brought about throughout the U.K. He said in the last twenty years but the renaissance has virtually all taken place under the last Labour Government. At least he acknowledged the legacy in urban renewal left by Labour but without actually directly giving us the credit.
You only have to look at Nottingham City Centre to appreciate the change bought about by public investment. The Market Place had a quality face lift and the transport system has been revitalised by the new trams.
Unfortunately now, under the Tories, investment, planning and economic strategy will be put well and truly on the back burner. Judging by Hestletine's performance we're in for a diet of bluff and bluster from one of yesterday's men.
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