RETAILERS must work together to create a successful High Street, according to the new chairman of the retail subcommittee of the Chamber of Commerce.

Architect David Falla will take over from leading retailer Tony Creasey.

‘St Peter Port is a fantastic Town, but it is a bit frayed at the edges and needs finishing off,’ said Mr Falla. ‘There may be tweaking which can be done.’

Fifteen years ago Mr Falla was responsible for the revival of London’s Marylebone High Street.

‘It was one of the saddest streets in London but with a bit of nurturing we created the idea of Marylebone Village. As an architect, we are used to dealing with projects, analysing problems and seeing opportunities.’

Mr Falla said access, particularly for people with a disability and for visitors from cruise liners, was something he wanted to improve.

‘Visitors find we are behind the times,’ he said.

Town parking was also an issue.

‘It isn’t possible to create new parking very easily but we may be able to use the space we have better.’

A retail strategy for the island could be developed, along with enhancing training for the sector and developing greater interaction with the States.