McAlpine secures Next meeting

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MSP Joan McAlpine has secured a meeting with Next bosses.
The SNP MSP wrote to the retailer last month after rumours arose that a move to an out of town unit was being considered.
Ms McAlpine will meet with the Regional and Area Managers this Wednesday (8th March) in Holyrood.
Next is responsible for much of the footfall in the town centre and Ms McAlpine hopes that a recent rates revaluation, which has slashed the store’s business rates, will encourage them to commit to the town centre. 
Commenting, Ms McAlpine said:
“I am pleased that Next has agreed to a meeting, and I am hopeful that they are coming in with an open mind.
“The rates revaluation has led to a substantial reduction in their business rates and I am hoping that will help encourage them to stay in the town centre – but I am keen to hear from them what else they think they need.
“There has been so much work going on to regenerate the town centre in recent years, and measures in place from the Scottish Government to encourage investment – the loss of such an important retailer would be a major step backwards and I do hope that we can find a way forward.”