Cool reception for Solihull 'meet and greet' plan

Nov 27 2009 by Sophie Cross, Birmingham Mail

A SCHEME to attract more people to Solihull could see people employed as town centre hosts to “meet and greet” shoppers.

The hosts would be provided with hand-held computers and linked up to local security and police, to “ensure that Solihull is remembered as a welcoming, caring and safe place”.

But shoppers have received the idea with a mixed response.

The concept was put forward by supporters of Solihull’s proposed Business Improvement District (BID), which if approved could see business rate payers invest an additional £2.5 million into the town centre over the next five years.

Companies from the area surrounded by New Road, Lode Lane, Prince’s Way and Warwick Road will vote in February over whether or not they would like a town centre BID, to improve Solihull’s profile as a shopping destination.

Sue Yates, who chairs the pre-BID board, insisted the centre needed to be “moving along” to keep up with nearby competitors.

She said: “We are entering a global market place, with the possibility of a high speed rail link passing through the area. It’s about the businesses in the area – whether this is retailers, commercial businesses or car parks – having a chance to improve activities with a levy.”

Nick Barratt, aged 40, from Shirley called the town centre host concept “terrible”.

“If you come shopping you know what you want – it could be off-putting. I can’t imagine it would make you feel any safer. It sounds a bit American to me.”

Luke Gottard, 24, added: “I don’t think it’s really necessary. It sounds like a bit of a waste of money.”

To fund the BID, business rate payers contributing over a certain amount would be charged an additional levy which they could collectively spend on enhanced marketing, safety, accessibility and car parking measures.