Keep the Airport

The demographic of Cheltenham is fast becoming a retirement town. In the 70s, there was a good balance between manufacturing and service industries this meant that the town was wealthy and vibrant, this balance is trending towards service provision working from home and less wealth. To redress the balance we need more wealth creating industries, the Cyber Park will help but we need to create an attractive offering to new businesses.

The documents I have seen so far have lots of nice words to attract businesses but little detail. Prospective businesses need : suitable buildings or land to build on, skilled employees or local schools/ colleges/universities which are closely aligned providing well educated apprentices, business rate incentives, good communications and a helpful, engaging, welcoming local Council. The Airport and surrounding business parks would tick many of the boxes and should not be wasted on housing.