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An ambitious scheme may be launched to paint a brighter image for Stornoway Town Centre.
However there are concerns that the project is a cosmetic solution and the council should be looking at ways of tackling long term problems in the town.
Businessman Sandy Matheson welcomed a proposal to spruce up the area for the summer but said that it could be very difficult to make the scheme successful unless other problems are addressed.
"A long term problem will not be solved by a short term scheme to brighten up the town," he explained.
"Problems like vandalism, graffiti and possibly car parking charges in the town are all counter to creating a vibrant town centre."
Added Mr Matheson: "Someone has come along before and dabbed graffiti on my shop when it had just been painted."
SNP's Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the Western Isles Dr Anne Lorne Gillies also raised concerns about the scheme.
"We are delighted with anything that will brighten up the appearance of Stornoway, and I don't mean that in a negative way, but this is a cosmetic solution and we shouldn't lose sight of tackling the long term problems," she said.
Western Isles Council is seeking external financial assistance for the pilot scheme which could mean businesses will only have to finance one third of the cost of redecoration work.
Another local businessman, and councillor, Norman L Macdonald, welcomed the idea and hoped that it would go a long way to boosting tourism in the area.
"More and more people feel that the tourism industry is going backwards and I think that such a scheme will change the volume of tourism. It will certainly brighten up the town," he said.
Western Isles MP Calum Macdonald agreed that the town centre - especially the harbour front area - needed redecorating to make it more attractive.
Bayhead councillor, Alasdair Macrae, felt that the appearance of the town centre had improved in the last couple of years but said that it needed a bit more work.
"Visitors will always find they will get a good welcome from the local people but it is important there is an improvement to the buildings which will also have a lasting impression on tourists," he said.
"I think anything which will involve businesses only paying a third of the cost of redecoration work will encourage people to have a serious think about the scheme."
A spokesman for Comhairle nan Eilean said a favourable response from a large number of local businesses and property owners had been received for a meeting on the subject tonight (Thursday) at 7.30pm in the Council offices.
Original article Stornoway Gazette Apr 15 1997.
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