Crims target square

Andrew Mathieson
NORLANE traders are fighting back to save their shopping strip.
They hoped a meeting at Labuan Square this week would resolve problems from increasing criminal activities.
The latest incident was another cash hold-up at a charity provider’s cafe last Saturday morning.
Urban Bean was a part of Norlane Baptist church minister Brent Lyons Lee’s project to revitalise the square’s shaky image.
Profits from the business are pumped back into the community to fund free meals for struggling families.
Mr Lyons Lee said he would be forced to “review” operation procedures but would remain running “business as usual”.
The Independent reported earlier this month that Mr Lyons Lee hoped his charity business could help turn around the fortunes of Labuan Square.
“The robbery actually occurred outside operating hours, so no customers were at risk,” he said.
Traders joined City of Greater Geelong officials and police to discuss options for re-designing the square to attract businesses back to Norlane.
“The good thing about this meeting is that everything’s on the table,” he said.
“We’ve got some advice from some other peak trading groups.”
Mr Lyons Lee hoped Labuan Square could again rival Corio Shopping Centre.
More than 20 retailers made it a bustling hub in the ’60s and ’70s. Now the same shopfronts are draped in roller doors to prevent break-ins and robberies.
Mr Lyons Lee said stakeholders had expressed a “real sense of team” at Labuan Square.
“I think it’s really exciting about what some of the reports are saying about investing in the regeneration of Corio and Norlane,” he said.