BUSINESSES in Colchester have met to discuss improving the town’s night time economy.

Research has shown thousands of people use the town centre for shopping or for a night out, but between 5.30pm and 8pm the streets are largely deserted.

Council bosses are keen to promote the town centre to residents and encourage them to go out for an early dinner or drinks straight after work.

Businesses took part in a workshop at Lion Walk Reformed Church, in Lion Walk, on how to make the town centre more attractive.

Beverley Jones, Colchester Council’s new head of environmental and protective services, said: “We hope the workshop will be the first in a series where we can engage with businesses and people who have a vested interest in the future and development of the town centre.

“We are looking at the evening in the town centre, and what we want to do is challenge the perceptions that some hold about the town centre and encourage people to come and use it.

“The council can’t do this on its own – we need the help of residents and businesses.”

Karen Turnbull, tourism and visitor development officer for Colchester Council, told the meeting she believed the town had plenty of potential.

She said: “It’s all about ensuring Colchester is ready for the future, retaining our young people and attracting entrepreneurs.

“The population is growing and we need a bigger town centre to provide for these extra people.

“We want to bring in more investment so we can have more jobs and better quality of life.”