A SIGN of the bleak financial times on the high street comes with news that clothing business Gap is to close its Sheffield store in Pinstone Street - and the flagship city centre property will be converted to a bank.
The arrival of Gap on the city's retail scene was heralded as a breakthrough in the rejuvenation of Sheffield. Champions of the local economy had long boasted about us deserving a place among the top league of regional cities. And the decision by Gap to add its brand to the retail landscape encouraged that view.
With predictions that the economic vice is likely to tighten for some time, the city has at least one bright light on its horizon - the New Retail Quarter which is beginning to take shape. The latest deserters may find they have left a gap for their rivals to fill!
Steady hand on city's developmentSIR Bob Kerslake turned the role of Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council from an officer of the authority to one of its leading voices. This helped Sheffield to be noticed in the corridors of power at Whitehall.
Locally, the council also became a major player on the city's economic scene. However, that meant in many cases that the economy could only grow at a pace which the council could maintain and sustain.
It remains to be seen how new Chief Executive John Mothersole will mould the role. But it cannot be denied that he takes over the hot seat with much goodwill. His steady approach and openness to innovation are well known and suggest the city's administration is in safe hands.
Kylie ain't so luckyWITH 60 million record sales, 31 Top Ten hits and 4 billion people watching one of her performances - at the Sydney Olympics closing ceremony - there was still one thing Kylie Minogue didn't have to her name. She did not have a gong! Until today when she receives her OBE. But the Pop Princess still doesn't get to be royalty. She should be so lucky!
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