INTEREST in the proposed street start for this year's Merrick Forest Rally in Newton Stewart was much more evident at a second meeting on the issue this week.
Business owners and community groups were represented, along with councillors and police, at Monday's meeting, re-scheduled after a poor turnout earlier in the month.
Organiser Allan Marshall said he was heartened to see the meeting room at the Mc
Millan Hall full.
He added: "It's great to see people are now taking an interest. Our main aim is to ascertain whether people in Newton Stewart want to see the rally start on the main street or not and, if they do, how can we make sure there's plenty going on to keep the town busy throughout the day?"
Kenny Owen, of John D. Owen and Sons Butchers on Victoria Street, said last year's rally, which started on the street for the first time, led to his "worst day of trade ever".
He added: "It was an unmitigated disaster. As soon as the cars had gone, there was no-one on the street. As far as the cars starting on the street goes, I think that's fine but the road shouldn't be closed for as long as it was."
It was agreed more entertainment on the street was needed to keep the crowds in the town until the cars returned for the champagne-spraying outside the cinema at around 6pm.
Last year, as would be the case this year, the road was only closed between the Co-op and the town clock.
Gordon Andrews, proprietor of the Galloway Arms Hotel, said it was up to business
owners and the locals to bring tourism into the town these days.
He added: "It didn't work last year but at this stage, I'm not against it. I just think there needs to be something a bit special to keep people interested throughout the day."
Business association chair Mary Prince pointed out that most new events suffer teething problems, to which Mr Andrews replied: "I agree.
"If you look at the Walking Festival, for example, we were dead the first year it ran but now it generates a huge amount of income."
Mr Marshall said the street closure fee would be covered by the Merrick Forest Stages Rally themselves.
Councillors Alistair Geddes and Graham Nicol said a report was going to Area Committee with a recommendation that £3,000 be awarded to the rally – previously the event has not been council-subsidised.
Members of the Galloway Pageant Committee, Newton Stewart Business Association, Cree Valley Community Council, Galloway Thistle Football Club and The Mini Majorettes volunteered to form a committee to look at having a street market and other entertainment.
