Chris Cooke

In response to the increasingly vitriolic and downright nasty comments made from the serial tweeters Cllr Ben Duncan and Cllr Jason Kitcat and the newly emerged from hiding ex-Pride Trustee Geoffrey Bowden (Green party candidate for Queens Park) I thought I would clarify the situation regarding my position on the use of the Taj premises on St James Street.
 
Those that know me in the St.James's Area will be acutely aware that I am a passionate supporter of the businesses in the area and have worked tirelessly over the past few years to ensure that the uniqueness and independence of St.James's is retained.
 
Indeed, I have had numerous articles in the press over that time and most recently have supported Mr Khan of the Taj Group throughtout the period when unfortunately he had to consolidate his business and close his outlet in St.James's Street.
 
I've also been actively involved in the St.James's Area Business Group since it was established over 2 years ago, with the specific aim being to promote the 'unique' business area of St.James's and the wider Kemp Town area. (It's interesting to note that none of the Green councillors have attended any of the Business Group meetings since this group was set up, or shown the remotest interest in the work it has been carrying out to promote the area).
 
So, you'll appreciate the need to set the record straight after this media onslaught from Green mischief makers - you wouldn't guess that there was an election a few weeks away would you !
 
And yes, it's true I'm not a fan of 'bashing big business' and if the Argus reporter had printed the whole transcript of our lengthy conversation then readers would have read about my great disappointment at losing the Taj business and my concern that the street is now at the critical point of losing it's uniqueness.
 
I remain as passionate as ever about St.James's and will be continuing to work alongside the independent retailers on the street, as I always have done, to ensure that it's not just the same as every other bland high street with no identity and no soul.
 
And I won't be resorting to cheap "tweets" or pre election gimmicks to help me achieve that goal.
 
Chris Cooke
Labour Party Candidate for Queen's Park ward
Montague Street