South Woodham traders are being urged to join forces in a bid to revitalise the town centre.

Around 20 shops and service providers including Ruskin Crafts, Thurston Sports and tattoo studio Immortal Ink, have already formed a Business Association, which is now appealing for more shopkeepers to join them in a campaign to bring shoppers to the town.

Association vice chairman and owner of Kiss and Make-up shop, Michelle Austwick said: "It's quite a tough job being in Woodham, it's a unique place. It has never been promoted as a place to shop, people just go to places like Marsh Farm and Asda and go home, without knowing we're here.

"The more members we have, the louder our voice and the more we can do."

The group, which is working on a series of ongoing initiatives believes small shops have a personal service to offer: "Asda sells a lot of what we sell so we have to work that little bit harder. As we have the time to be friendly and talk to people that's how we can keep people in our shops and they will then come back to South Woodham," said Mrs Austwick.

A roadshow, scheduled for next spring and plans for involvement with town centre Christmas celebrations are already underway as the group aims to raise its profile and that of members' businesses, through getting involved with community events.

Association member Sarah Skinner, who runs Ruskin Crafts with her husband said: "There are 300 business in South Woodham. If we can get a lot more people involved with the association we will have a lot more clout.

"I think there is a lot of apathy in and around the town with some shoppers and townspeople, they don't realise what town centre shops have to offer."

Businesses wanting to find out more about joining can contact Mrs Austwick on 01245 327934.

By Katy Fisher

Reporter's e-mail: katy.fisher@essex-chronicle.co.uk

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