Saqib Bhatti MP, Member of Parliament for Meriden, joined Visit Knowle and others in calling for action to be taken regarding the appearance of the centre of Knowle. Whilst visiting Eric Lyons, a small business in Knowle, Saqib signed a petition asking the council to intervene in the deterioration of the appearance of Knowle Village Centre. These calls have been ongoing in light of the current state of the precinct in the centre of Knowle, many of the units are unoccupied and have been left in disrepair. This negatively impacts other businesses in Knowle Village Centre as these eye sores are in the vicinity of their businesses. It also affects the local community who deserve a full and thriving Village Centre to enjoy.
Saqib signed this petition during his visit to several different businesses in Knowle for Small Business Saturday. This initiative aims to highlight small, local businesses and encourage people to shop locally and support businesses within their community. Small businesses are an integral part of the local community in the Meriden constituency and Saqib used this opportunity to check in with small business owners as we head into the Christmas period.
Commenting on the petition, Saqib said:
“Thank you to Visit Knowle for all that you do, our community is lucky to have you and this petition is a testament to that. Our high streets are the lifeblood of our communities, and they are certainly worth fighting for. I stand with you.”
Commenting on Small Business Saturday, Saqib said:
“Small Business Saturday is a good moment to celebrate our small businesses which are great drivers of employment and opportunity. I grew up helping my Dad with his small business and later ran it, so small businesses are in my DNA.”
"It was wonderful to visit lots of our small businesses in Meriden constituency. Throughout my professional career, I have advised and championed small businesses and it is a privilege to do the same in Parliament.”
