Why the changing winds on Sheffield's George Street point to wider city issues
Too many of us never go into town at all
One in, one out.
That, it seems, is the pattern set by businesses in the area of Sheffield which we all yearn to love yet rarely tread.We have a city full of wonderful buildings and an enormous population - yet we still haven't got the calculation right.
Too many of us never go into town at all. I know many youngsters who only ever go shopping at Meadowhall, that is if they go shopping at all in person and don't just do it all on their mobile phones.
I also have many more elderly friends who prefer Crystal Peaks - or even Barnsley - because they have simply fallen out of love with Sheffield city centre.
Today we turn our attention to that strange little cut-through which is George Street. It isn't an area I often wander through, if truth be told. I remember all the excitement when the Curzon cinema first announced it was coming here.
There was a buzz in certain quarters that the upmarket movie chain believed in Sheffield enough to invest. Sadly, it is now clear that they were wrong.
So we are losing a lovely little venue - not to mention one of the city's first rooftop bars - because not enough of us, myself included, showed support.You could argue that it was outdone by other cinema chains very nearby.
It is also obvious that many people are happy to stay home and stream their favourite Hollywood numbers.
But it isn't the whole company that is closing, just the Sheffield branch.
Fortunately, there is a new business opening up just opposite so this quirky section of town is not completely down and out.
But it definitely needs those who 'lead' this city to take some drastic action.When they were celebrating the arrival of Curzon, what was the plan to ensure enough people were aware of its existence and paid to enjoy what it had to offer?
In a city bursting with press officers, who is singing our praises from the rooftops and tempting folk in?
Now we're being told that George Street remains a positive story because The Mulberry Club is on its way. So what is the council doing to not only roll out the red carpet but properly make this city somewhere desirable in the long term?
The difference between us and other big northern cities is leadership. I apologise if I sound like a stuck record but if those at the top don't open their eyes to reality, this never ending loop will continue forever.
There are some great places in town but they need a better plan from the top, something that is both reassuring and inspiring. This brilliant city of ours deserves better and those unable to bring change should admit their failings.
George Street has some beautiful buildings and it isn't hard to imagine it being transformed into an attraction in its own right. Neighbouring Chapel Walk is the same. They need love, investment and brains to transform their fortunes. We cannot continue to depend on the enthusiasm of optimistic independents who arrive with a smile then disappear when the truth bites.
Let's harness the enthusiasm and creativity of all of these wonderful businesses and make the city work for them. We could transform lives, the economy and get footfall up in town in one determined move.
We have a new political leader at the council. I've yet to hear anything on what her vision is to make the heart of our city something we can all - permanently - be proud of. What about those in non-political roles?
Well, they are paid an awful lot of money and some have been in post for far too many years for the city to remain unclear on what their plan is for our absolutely crucial city centre.
Manchester is usually the example that developers use when they tell me why they choose not to come here.
And they always point to big, impressive, charismatic figures at the top of the tree who are fiercely driven by their own desire to make the city better. It makes a difference and, in my opinion, it is what Sheffield lacks.
That's the only thing our neighbouring cities have on us because in almost every other respect we out bat them.
But what a devastating difference it makes.