Traders encouraged to boost town

A partnership set up to promote a Staffordshire area is encouraging town traders to form their own association in a bid to boost their town.

Chase 3, made up of public and private agencies in the Cannock Chase area held an open event and met Hednesford traders. Now a meeting on September 14 is for all interested parties to get involved and produce solid plans to set an association up.

It would be a chance for traders to have a say on decision-making affecting them and take part in events to promote the town such as the annual Christmas event.

They would also have benefits handed to them as being part of the local chamber of commerce.

The partnership has also written to Hednesford Town Council asking for financial support.

The funding will cover printing costs and starter packs for the traders association for the next 12 months and would help get things moving forward.

The town council has agreed to help out and provide £1,000 through their grant aid budget.

Councillors welcomed the proposals for a traders association at a meeting of Hednesford Town Council held on Tuesday night.

Councillor Derek Davies, leader of the town council, who is a trader himself, said it would be great news for the traders of they could set up their own association.

He said: "We have wanted something like this for some time in Hednesford.

"It would really benefit the traders and I am all for it."

Councillor Ron Turville added: "If we can get them all to work together then this traders association would be great.

"This is something which has been needed for some time.

"I am very pleased Chase 3 are showing the initiative and helping to move things in the right direction."